Meat

Definition

Meat is a noun. It refers to the flesh of animals used as food, particularly from mammals. In a broader sense, it can also signify the essential or most important part of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /miːt/
• Respelling: MEET

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /miːt/
• Respelling: MEET

Etymology

The word "meat" originates from Old English "mete," meaning "food" or "provisions." Over time, its meaning narrowed to specifically refer to the flesh of animals used as food.

Derivatives

• Meaty (adjective)
• Meatiness (noun)
• Meatball (noun)
• Meatless (adjective)
• Meatpacking (noun)

Synonyms

• Flesh
• Protein
• Substance

Antonyms

• Vegetables
• Plant-based
• Grains

Usage

The term "meat" is widely used in dietary, culinary, and metaphorical contexts. For example, "Chicken is white meat," or "The meat of the argument lies in its core evidence."

Related Terms

• Protein: A nutrient commonly found in meat.
• Carcass: The body of a dead animal, often processed for meat.
• Butchery: The process of preparing meat for consumption.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The flesh of animals used as food: Refers to edible parts of animals, particularly mammals.
  • Example: "Beef is a popular type of meat worldwide."
• The essential or central part of something: Describes the most important or substantive aspect.
  • Example: "The meat of the book is found in the middle chapters."
• Food in general (archaic): An older, broader use of the term referring to any type of sustenance.
  • Example: "In old texts, meat referred to all kinds of nourishment."