paste

Paste is a thick, soft, malleable substance composed of solids suspended in a liquid, designed to be spread, pressed into a surface, or molded into shape. The term encompasses both materials used as binders or adhesives and culinary or cosmetic preparations that have a paste-like consistency.

In construction and crafts, pastes serve as binders or fillers. Common examples include starch-based wallpaper paste, flour-and-water paste for paper crafts, and plaster or cement pastes used to bind particles and fill gaps. Putty and sealing pastes repair joints, while toothpaste is a consumer paste used for oral hygiene.

In cooking, pastes are thick flavor bases made by grinding or blending ingredients. Tomato paste, miso paste, curry paste, chili paste, and peanut paste are used to impart color and depth. Pastes may be smooth or chunky and are often cooked briefly to release aroma before additional ingredients are added.

In computing, paste refers to the operation of inserting data from the clipboard into a document or field. It is paired with copy and cut; keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+V or Cmd+V perform the insertion across most software environments.