frothing

Everyday

1. Frothing means making or having lots of tiny bubbles on top, like foam on a milkshake or soap. tree →
2. An animal or person frothing at the mouth has foamy spit coming out, which can be a sign of illness. tree →
3. (informal) Frothing (at the mouth) can mean being extremely angry or excited. tree →

In the lessons

In science, frothing happens when air is trapped in a liquid, for example when you shake a fizzy drink or whisk egg whites. In everyday life coffee machines froth milk. In safety, a dog frothing at the mouth may be ill and you should not touch it. In stories, «frothing with rage» tells the reader someone is furious. Phrases: frothing at the mouth, frothing milk, frothy coffee.

Examples

• The milk was frothing in the jug. tree →
• The waves were frothing white against the rocks. tree →
• When we mixed vinegar and baking soda, the bottle started frothing. tree →
• Never touch a strange dog that is frothing at the mouth. tree →
• Dad was frothing about the parking ticket. tree →
• The coach was frothing at the mouth when the ref gave a penalty. tree →
• Mum likes a frothy cappuccino. tree →
• The bubble bath was frothing over the side of the tub. tree →

Note

«Frothing» is the -ing form of the verb «froth». Froth is uncountable: some froth, not «a froths». Froth and foam mean almost the same thing. «Frothing at the mouth» about anger is an exaggeration, not real foam.