portion-controlled
|por-tion-con-trolled|
🇺🇸
/ˈpɔrʃən kənˈtroʊld/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɔːʃ(ə)n kənˈtrəʊld/
regulated serving size
Etymology
'portion-controlled' is a modern English compound formed from 'portion' and 'controlled'. 'portion' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'portio', where 'portio' meant 'a part or share'; 'controlled' comes from 'control', which derives from Anglo-Norman/Old French elements (e.g. 'contre-rolle') meaning 'to check against a roll'.
'portion' changed from Latin 'portio' into Old French 'portion' and Middle English 'portioun' before becoming modern English 'portion'. 'control' evolved from Anglo-Norman/Old French terms such as 'contre-rolle' and Middle English 'controul' into modern 'control', and later the adjective 'controlled'. The compound 'portion-controlled' arose in modern English usage (20th century onward) in contexts of food labeling and diet management.
Initially, 'portion' meant 'a part or share' and 'control' meant 'to check or regulate'; over time the combined form came to mean 'a serving or product whose size is regulated'—i.e., 'regulated serving size' in contemporary usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing food or products that are packaged or served in fixed, regulated serving sizes (often to limit calorie intake or manage portions).
I try to buy portion-controlled snacks to avoid overeating.
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Adjective 2
designed or labeled so that each package or unit provides one standardized serving (used attributively for packaging, meals, or menu items).
portion-controlled packaging helps restaurants standardize serving sizes.
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Last updated: 2025/12/17 21:05