coulant

Coulant is a French term derived from the verb couler, meaning to flow. In general usage, coulant functions as an adjective or present participle meaning flowing, smooth-running, or liquid. It describes substances and phenomena that can be poured or that move with ease, such as a flowing liquid or a smoothly operating mechanism. The exact sense depends on context and may range from a viscosity descriptor to a metaphor for seamless performance.

In culinary contexts, coulant is most familiar as a dessert category. A coulant au chocolat, often called a chocolate coulant or lava cake in English, is a small cake baked so that its center remains molten and liquid when served. Variants exist with caramel, vanilla, or fruit cores. The hallmark of a coulant dessert is the contrast between the solid exterior and the liquid interior, typically showcased by serving while warm to preserve the molten center.

Beyond language, coulant may appear as a proper noun in French-speaking regions, used as a surname or in place names. When encountered in names, the term carries its linguistic origins but does not imply a specific meaning beyond its root “to flow.”

In sum, coulant denotes flow or liquidity in descriptive language and is especially associated with desserts that reveal a liquid center when eaten.