ersatz

Ersatz is defined as an artificial substance that replaces something genuine.

(noun)

An example of an ersatz is non-dairy coffee creamer used to replace real cream.

The definition of ersatz is a substitute or synthetic.

(adjective)

An example of ersatz used as an adjective is in the phrase "ersatz butter," which means fake butter.

See ersatz in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun, adjective

substitute or synthetic: the word usually suggests inferior quality

Origin: Ger, lit., replacement < ersetzen, to replace < er- (< OHG ir-, re-) + setzen, to place, set

See ersatz in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Being an imitation or a substitute, usually an inferior one; artificial: ersatz coffee made mostly of chicory. See Synonyms at artificial.

Origin:

Origin: German, replacement

Origin: , from ersetzen, to replace

Origin: , from Old High German irsezzan

Origin: : ir-, out; see ud- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + sezzan, to set; see sed- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

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