flesh

¹flesh

noun \ˈflesh\

Definition of FLESH

1

a : the soft parts of the body of an animal and especially of a vertebrate; especially : the parts composed chiefly of skeletal muscle as distinguished from internal organs, bone, and integument b : the condition of having ample fat on the body <cattle in good flesh> c : skin

2

a : edible parts of an animal b : flesh of a mammal or fowl eaten as food

3

a : the physical nature of human beings <the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak — Matthew 26:41(Authorized Version)> b : human nature

4

a : human beings : humankind b : living beings c : stock, kindred

5

: a fleshy plant part used as food; also : the fleshy part of a fruit

6

Christian Science : an illusion that matter has sensation

7

: substance <insights buried in the flesh of the narrative — Jan Carew>

— in the flesh

: in person and alive

Examples of FLESH

1. the flabby white flesh of his belly
2. a disease that causes sores on the flesh

Origin of FLESH

Middle English, from Old English flǣsc; akin to Old High German fleisk flesh and perhaps to Old English flēan to flay — more at flay

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FLESH

Synonyms: meat

Related Words: game, poultry, red meat, variety meat

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with FLESH

crèche, flèche, fresh, mesh, thresh