What is the definition of the term sift?

The definition of the term "sift" refers specifically to the process of putting dry ingredients through a sieve. This technique is commonly used in cooking and baking to aerate the flour or to remove any lumps, ensuring a finer texture and a more even distribution of ingredients. Sifting can also be useful when combining dry ingredients for recipes, as it helps to incorporate air, which can improve the final rise and texture of baked goods.

While combining wet and dry ingredients, folding ingredients together, and chopping ingredients finely are important techniques in food preparation, they do not accurately describe the action of sifting. Sifting exclusively pertains to the separation and aeration of dry materials, making it a distinct process essential for certain cooking applications.