viipale

Viipale is a Finnish noun meaning a single thin piece cut from a larger item, typically used for food. The exact thickness and shape of a viipale vary with the item and purpose; bread, cheese, deli meats, vegetables, and fruit are commonly described as viipale.

Origin: The term derives from the verb viipaloida, to slice. The noun form viipale denotes the resulting slice or segment.

Usage: In cooking and menus, viipale is used to refer to slices prepared for service or consumption. For example, leipäviipale is a slice of bread, juustoviipale is a slice of cheese, and tomaattiviipaleita are tomato slices. The concept also appears in nutritional labeling and recipe instructions, which may specify viipaleiksi (in slices) or viipaleittain (in sliced portions).

Preparation: Home preparation uses a sharp knife, while professional kitchens may employ a mandoline slicer or meat slicer to achieve uniform thickness. The term also covers standardized portions in retail packaging.

See also: Slice, cross-section, portion.