What does the word sous mean in cooking?

In cooking, "sous" is a French word meaning "under" or "below". It's most commonly used in the term "sous vide", which translates to "under vacuum".

Sous vide cooking is a method of cooking food in a water bath that is precisely controlled to a specific temperature. The food is sealed in vacuum-sealed bags, which ensures even cooking and prevents moisture loss.

So, while "sous" itself doesn't have a specific meaning in cooking, it's crucial to understand its role in the phrase "sous vide", which refers to a popular and precise cooking technique.