n.
Pronunciation: ' b ə -t ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English butere, from Latin butyrum, from Greek boutyron, from bous cow + tyros cheese; akin to Avestan t ū iri- curds ― more at COW
Date: before 12th century
1 : a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2 : a buttery substance: as a : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures b : a creamy food spread especially : one made of ground roasted nuts <peanut butter >
3 : FLATTERY
– but · ter · less \ -l ə s \ adjective