sugar

sug•ar

[[t]ˈʃʊg ər[/t]] n.

1) chem. biochem. a sweet, crystalline substance, C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁, obtained from the juice or sap of many plants, esp. commercially from sugarcane and the sugar beet; sucrose

2) chem. biochem. any other plant or animal substance of the same class of carbohydrates, as fructose or glucose

3) off sex (sometimes cap.) an affectionate or familiar term of address (sometimes offensive when used to strangers, subordinates, etc.)

4) to cover, sprinkle, mix, or sweeten with sugar

5) to make agreeable

6) to form sugar or sugar crystals

7) to make maple sugar

8) phv sugar off, (in making maple sugar) to complete the boiling down of the syrup in preparation for granulation

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME sugre, sucre (n.) < MF sucre < ML succārum < It zucchero < Ar sukkar, akin to Pers shakar, Gk sákcharon (see sacchar-) sug′ar•less, adj. sug′ar•like`, adj. usage: Definition3is an affectionate term of address used to a child, sweetheart, etc. However, when used in the workplace or in social interactions with strangers, it is sometimes perceived as insulting.