The word “curing” refers to the process of preserving food by using methods such as drying, salting, smoking, or fermentation. It is commonly used in the context of meat, fish, and certain vegetables to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Additionally, “curing” can also refer to the process of healing or alleviating a disease or condition in a medical context. In a broader sense, it can mean to make something functional or to improve its quality.