Entrail: meaning, definitions and examples

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entrail

 

[ ˈɛn.treɪlz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

body part

Entrails refer to the internal organs, particularly the intestines, of an animal. The term is often used in a biological or anatomical context. Entrails are typically exposed when an animal is butchered or dissected.

Synonyms

guts, insides, intestines, viscera

Examples of usage

  • The butcher carefully removed the entrails from the carcass.
  • During the dissection, we observed the entrails of the frog.
  • The hunter examined the entrails to check for any signs of disease.

Word origin

The word 'entrail' originates from the Middle French 'entraille', which is derived from the Latin 'interanea', meaning 'internal parts'. The usage of 'entrails' in English dates back to the 14th century and has primarily been associated with the internal organs of animals, particularly in contexts involving butchery or dissection. Over time, the term has also found its way into more figurative uses, often relating to the 'inner workings' of a system or the emotional 'guts' of a person. The evolution of the word reflects a continued interest in what lies beneath the surface, both literally with the physical body and metaphorically with broader concepts.