Main Entry: ¹fil·let

Pronunciation: \ˈfi-lət, in sense 2b also fi-ˈlā, ˈfi-(ˌ)lā\

Variant(s): also fi·let \fi-ˈlā, ˈfi-(ˌ)lā\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English filet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of fil thread, from Latin filum — more at file

Date: 14th century

1 : a ribbon or narrow strip of material used especially as a headband
2 a : a thin narrow strip of material b : a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish; especially : the tenderloin of beef
3 a : a concave junction formed where two surfaces meet (as at an angle) b : a strip that gives a rounded appearance to such a junction; also : a strip to reinforce the corner where two surfaces meet
4 : a narrow flat architectural member: a : a flat molding separating others b : the space between two flutings in a shaft