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raclette
This term refers specifically to a culinary tradition from the Alps, carrying a connotation of warmth, conviviality, and rustic comfort. It is most frequently used in the context of social gatherings or winter dining, where the process of melting and scraping the cheese is as much a part of the experience as the eating itself.
When referring to the food, the word is typically treated as an uncountable mass noun, similar to "cheese" or "fondue." However, when referring to the specialized electric appliance used to prepare the dish, it functions as a countable noun.
Meanings
A traditional Swiss dish consisting of cheese that is melted and scraped onto potatoes, meat, or vegetables.
We enjoyed a hearty raclette dinner during our trip to the Alps.
A specialized electric grill or oven used for melting cheese for the preparation of raclette.
The table was crowded with a raclette machine and various dipping accompaniments.