Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Butchery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ช
Add to dictionary

butchery

[หˆbสŠtสƒษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in food industry

The practice or business of slaughtering animals for food.

Synonyms

meat processing, slaughterhouse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
butchery

In this context, it is used to describe an act of extreme violence or mass killing, often in a brutal or cruel manner. This use has a negative connotation.

  • The villagers will never forget the butchery that occurred during the war
  • The scene was a grotesque display of butchery
slaughterhouse

This word refers to a place where animals are killed for meat production. It emphasizes the act of killing and can sometimes carry a negative connotation due to animal rights concerns.

  • The animals were transported to the slaughterhouse early in the morning
  • Working at a slaughterhouse can be emotionally challenging
meat processing

This term focuses on the industrial aspect of converting animals into meat products, including cleaning, packaging, and preservation.

  • He works in a meat processing plant
  • The meat processing industry has stringent health regulations

Examples of usage

  • Butchery is an essential step in the process of meat production.
  • The butchery of pigs is a common practice in many cultures.
Context #2 | Noun

violent act

Cruel or violent killing, especially of a large number of people.

Synonyms

massacre, slaughter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
butchery

Used to describe the act of cutting animals into pieces for meat or a place where this is done. It can also refer to a brutal and savage killing, often implying incompetence or cruelty.

  • The local butchery provides fresh meat daily.
  • The movie depicted an act of butchery during the war, shocking the viewers.
massacre

Refers to the killing of a large number of people, usually in a brutal and indiscriminate manner. It is often used in historical or context involving extreme violence and cruelty.

  • The massacre at the village left the world in horror.
  • History books detail the brutal massacre that took place during the conflict.
slaughter

Primarily used to describe the killing of animals for meat, but can also refer to a violent killing of many people, similar to massacre. It can carry a connotation of ruthlessness and brutality.

  • The farm's machinery made the process of cattle slaughter efficient.
  • The battlefield was a scene of slaughter, with numerous casualties on both sides.

Examples of usage

  • The butchery of innocent civilians shocked the nation.
  • The war was marked by extreme butchery and brutality.
Context #3 | Noun

disorderliness

A place or situation that is messy, chaotic, or disorganized.

Synonyms

disorder, mess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
butchery

This term is often used to describe a scene of brutal or violent slaughtering, typically of animals, but can also be used metaphorically to describe any gruesome or ruthless destruction of life. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The butchery of innocent civilians during the conflict was condemned by the international community
mess

Used to describe something that is dirty, untidy, or disorganized. It is often applied to physical spaces but can also refer to situations that are complicated or problematic.

  • The children left the living room in a mess after playing all afternoon
  • The project became a real mess after the team leader left
disorder

Typically used to describe a state of confusion, lack of organization, or disruptions. It can apply to physical spaces, situations, or mental states.

  • The classroom was in complete disorder after the surprise party
  • She was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

Examples of usage

  • The room was a butchery after the party.
  • The butchery of the documents made it hard to find anything.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Old French 'bouchier', meaning 'butcher'.
  • A long time ago, people would trade meat differently, leading to the need for specialized knowledge in cutting and preparing meat.
  • Skills in butchery date back to prehistoric times, where early humans learned how to butcher animals for food.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, butchery is considered a vital trade, linked to culinary rituals and celebrations.
  • Certain cuts of meat have different cultural meanings, like how lamb is often served at Easter in Christian traditions.
  • Butchery techniques vary globally, with each culture having unique practices and preferences for meat preparation.

Science

  • Butchery involves understanding the anatomy of animals, knowing the best methods to cut through different tissues.
  • The science of meat aging can greatly affect flavor and tenderness, making butchery an art as well as a science.
  • Proper hygiene practices in butchery are crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses, highlighting the importance of cleanliness in meat preparation.

Modern Practices

  • Today, many artisanal butchers are reviving traditional butchery skills, emphasizing sustainable and ethical sourcing of meat.
  • With rising popularity in home cooking, butchery classes are becoming more common, teaching people how to properly prepare their own meat.
  • Some chefs are now integrating butchery into their culinary schools, focusing on whole-animal butchery for waste reduction.

Literature

  • Butchery is often a theme in literature, representing survival, tradition, and sometimes moral dilemmas regarding animal consumption.
  • In famous novels, charactersโ€™ relationships with food, including meat, can reflect deeper societal issues, such as class and ethics.
  • Cookbooks frequently cover butchery techniques as part of teaching about meat preparation and cooking guidance.

Origin of 'butchery'

The word 'butchery' originated from the Middle English word 'bocherie', which came from the Old French 'bouchierie', ultimately derived from the Latin 'bovem' meaning 'ox'. The term originally referred to a place where animals were slaughtered for meat. Over time, the word evolved to encompass not only the act of slaughtering animals but also violent killings and disorderly situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,369, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.