Fillets: meaning, definitions and examples

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fillets

[ˈfɪlɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

Fillet is a piece of boneless meat or fish.

Synonyms

cutlet, portion, strip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fillets	Typically used when referring to boneless cuts of fish or meat. It's a term often used in culinary contexts, especially when describing how food is prepared or presented. She prepared a delicious dinner with salmon fillets. The chef skillfully filleted the fish before cooking it.
cutlet	Often used to describe a piece of meat that has been pounded thin, breaded, and usually fried. This term is common in recipes and restaurant menus. For dinner, I made chicken cutlets with a side of mashed potatoes. The veal cutlet was crispy and tender.
strip	Usually used for thin, elongated pieces of food, often meat. This term can apply to both cooking and food presentation. He grilled some beef strips for the fajitas. The recipe called for thin strips of chicken breast.
portion	A general term that can refer to any serving of food, not necessarily related to how it is cut. It's commonly used when talking about servings or sizes of food. Would you like a larger portion of rice? The portion sizes at this restaurant are quite generous.

Examples of usage

I ordered a salmon fillet for dinner.
She prefers chicken fillets over beef.
The restaurant serves delicious fillets of steak.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

woodworking

Fillet is a narrow strip of molding with a rounded or square section.

Synonyms

edging, molding, trim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fillets	Often used in the context of food, particularly referring to boneless pieces of meat or fish. He ordered a salmon fillet for dinner The chef prepared chicken fillets for the main course
molding	Commonly used in construction and interior design to describe decorative or functional strips that cover transitions between surfaces or edges. They added crown molding to the ceiling for an elegant touch The baseboard molding was painted white to match the walls
trim	Refers to finishing materials or decorative elements around the edges of windows, doors, or other architectural features. Sometimes used in fashion to describe decorative additions to clothing. The carpenter installed trim around the new windows She chose a dress with lace trim for the party
edging	Typically refers to a border or boundary material used in landscaping or to separate different sections, often in gardens and lawns. The gardener installed stone edging around the flower beds Plastic edging was used to create a clear divide between the grass and the walkway

Examples of usage

The carpenter used a fillet to add decoration to the furniture.
The picture frame is embellished with a delicate fillet.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

cooking

To fillet means to cut a fish or meat into fillets.

Synonyms

bone, clean, prepare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fillets	When you want to refer to pieces of fish or meat that have been cut and separated from the bone. She bought fresh salmon fillets for dinner The chef prepared chicken fillets for the salad
bone	When you want to indicate the removal of bones from fish, meat, or poultry. The butcher needed to bone the chicken before marinating it He learned how to bone fish in culinary school
clean	When you refer to the process of removing any dirt, scales, or guts from fish or other food items. She had to clean the fish before cooking it Make sure to clean the vegetables thoroughly
prepare	When you speak about making food ready for cooking or eating, which can include several processes like cleaning, cutting, and seasoning. I will prepare the ingredients before starting to cook She took an hour to prepare the dinner party

Examples of usage

He filleted the trout with precision.
She fillets the chicken breasts before cooking.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

In French cuisine, the term 'filet' refers specifically to boneless meat, often used for preparing high-end dishes.
Fish fillets can be cooked using various methods including grilling, baking, and frying, each bringing out unique flavors.

Etymology

The word 'fillet' comes from the French 'filet', meaning a thread or strip, which reflects its thin shape.
Its use in the culinary world dates back to the late 15th century, showing how long it has been part of cooking.

Health & Nutrition

Fillets of fish, like salmon or cod, are often recommended for diets due to their high protein content and healthy fats.
Eating fillets rather than fried whole fish can reduce calorie intake and improve overall health.

Cultural Impact

In many cultures, specific types of fish fillets are staples for traditional meals, showcasing regional culinary practices.
Some famous global dishes include the fish fillet 'tacos' from Mexico and 'chicken fillet sandwiches' popular in fast food.

Cooking Techniques

Using a sharp knife to properly fillet fish or meat can enhance the quality of the meal, making the process an important culinary skill.
Sous-vide cooking, a modern technique, is frequently used for fillets to ensure they are perfectly cooked while retaining moisture.

Translations

Translations of the word "fillets" in other languages:

🇵🇹 filés

🇮🇳 फिलेट्स

🇩🇪 Filets

🇮🇩 fillet

🇺🇦 філе

🇵🇱 filety

🇯🇵 フィレ

🇫🇷 filets

🇪🇸 filetes

🇹🇷 fileto

🇰🇷 필레

🇸🇦 فيليه

🇨🇿 filety

🇸🇰 filety

🇨🇳 鱼片

🇸🇮 fileji

🇮🇸 flök

🇰🇿 филе

🇬🇪 ფილე

🇦🇿 file

🇲🇽 filetes

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,569, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18566 ligature
18567 contrive
18568 ventilator
18569 fillets
18570 pubic
18571 sentry
18572 damnation
...