Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈiːz pɹˈɛs] (IPA) 
Cheese press is spelled with the phonetic symbols /tʃiːz/ for "cheese" and /prɛs/ for "press". The word "cheese" is pronounced with an elongated "ee" sound and a "z" sound at the end, represented by /iːz/. "Press" is pronounced with a soft "pr" sound followed by a distinct "e" sound, represented by /prɛs/. A cheese press is a tool used to press the whey out of cheese curds, creating a more solid cheese product.
A cheese press is a specialized device used in the process of making cheese. It is primarily designed to apply pressure to the curds, thereby expelling whey and compacting the cheese into a solid and uniform shape.
Typically made of stainless steel, wood, or a combination of both, a cheese press consists of several components. It often includes a base, a follower, and a number of weights or springs for providing the necessary pressure. The base serves as a sturdy foundation for the press, while the follower, sometimes referred to as the plunger, is a flat or rounded plate that sits directly on top of the curds. The weights or springs are then applied on top of the follower, gradually increasing the pressure over time.
The purpose of using a cheese press is to expel excess whey from the curds, which helps in achieving the desired texture and consistency of the final cheese product. By applying pressure, the curds are compacted, leading to the formation of a cohesive cheese body with reduced moisture content.
Cheese presses come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different types of cheese and production volumes. They are commonly used by artisan cheesemakers, both at home and in commercial settings, to ensure consistent results and enhance the quality of their cheese. The use of a cheese press is an essential step in the cheese-making process, enabling the transformation of curds into a firm and aged cheese with distinct flavors and textures.
The one for pressing and the other for holding the curd to be formed into a cheese.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cheese press" can be broken down into two parts: "cheese" and "press".
The term "cheese" originated from the Old English word "cēse", which is derived from the West Germanic word "kasjus". This term eventually evolved into the Middle English word "chese" and then transformed into the word "cheese" in Modern English. The root of the word can be traced back to the Latin word "caseus", which has a similar meaning.
The term "press" comes from the Old English word "pressan", which means "to press" or "to squeeze". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "pressōną" and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
