popcorn

Everyday

A snack made from grains of a special kind of corn (maize) that burst open into white fluffy shapes when heated. tree →

In the lessons

In science, popcorn shows that heat turns water inside each kernel into steam, which bursts the kernel open — a change you cannot undo. In everyday life, people eat popcorn at the cinema. Safety: hot oil and steam can burn; popcorn can choke very young children. Phrases: «a bowl of popcorn», «salted popcorn», «sweet popcorn».

Examples

• We ate popcorn at the cinema. tree →
• The popcorn popped in the pan. tree →
• Would you like sweet or salted popcorn? tree →
• Steam inside the kernels makes them pop. tree →
• Be careful opening hot popcorn bags; the steam can burn. tree →
• We threaded popcorn on string to decorate the tree. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some popcorn», «a bowl of popcorn», not «a popcorn». One word.