What does caramelization mean in a non-confectionary sense?

Caramelization takes place when a food is allowed to cook slowly in a pan, allowing the naturally occurring sugars to convert to a sweet, caramel-colored substance. Caramelized onions, for example, will first be sweated and sprinkled lightly with salt. The sugars in the juices and in the onions themselves slowly brown and form a caramelly, sweet substance on the onions. They can then be used as an ingredient, such as a topping for steaks or pizza.

Asked by Leni Davenport · Last updated 5 years ago · 1.9M views · SOURCE