Épaissie

Épaissie is the feminine singular past participle of épaissir, a French verb meaning to thicken. Used as an adjective, épaissie describes something that has become thicker or more dense. The masculine singular form is épaissi, and the term is commonly found in culinary writing to indicate a sauce, soup, or liquid that has thickened through reduction, incorporation of a thickening agent, or other cooking processes. Beyond cooking, épaissie can appear in figurative language to describe any process that increases density or viscosity.

Etymology and grammar notes: épaissir derives from épais, meaning thick. As a past participle, épaissie agrees with a feminine subject or with a feminine direct object preceding the participle in compounds formed with avoir. It can also appear in the passive form la sauce est épaissie. Common related terms include épaisseur (thickness) and épaississement (the act or process of thickening).

Usage and examples:

- La sauce est épaissie après réduction. (The sauce has thickened after reduction.)

- J’ai épaissi la soupe avec de la fécule. (I thickened the soup with a thickening agent.)

- Une sauce épaissie peut avoir une texture veloutée ou plus crémeuse, selon le temps de cuisson et les agents utilisés.

See also: épaissir, épais, épaisseur, épaississement.