Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Gilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŸ
Add to dictionary

gilled

[ษกษชld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

anatomy feature

Gilled refers to having gills, which are respiratory organs found in many aquatic organisms, allowing them to extract oxygen from water. This term is commonly associated with fish and some amphibians, indicating structures that aid in breathing underwater.

Synonyms

aquatic, branchiate, respiratory.

Examples of usage

  • The gilled fish thrived in the freshwater lake.
  • She studied the gilled organisms during her marine biology class.
  • Gilled mushrooms are easily distinguished from non-gilled varieties.
  • Many marine animals possess gilled adaptations.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Gilled organisms, like certain types of fish, use their gills to extract oxygen from water, which is essential for their survival.
  • Mushrooms have gills as well, where spores are produced, aiding in reproduction, a crucial biological process.
  • Some aquatic crustaceans, such as crabs, also feature gills, illustrating a diverse adaptation among different species.

Environmental Science

  • Gills allow aquatic animals to thrive in oxygen-poor environments, showcasing evolutionโ€™s adaptive strategies.
  • Healthy ecosystems are measured by the presence of gilled species, as they often indicate good water quality.
  • Pollution can seriously affect gilled species, highlighting the importance of conserving natural water bodies.

Culinary

  • Certain edible mushrooms, like chanterelles and portobellos, have distinct gills that contribute to their unique flavors.
  • In cooking, the gill structure of mushrooms can affect how they absorb flavors and textures in dishes.
  • In seafood, the quality of dishes often considers the condition of the gills, as fresh fish typically have bright, vibrant gills.

Cultural References

  • In some cultures, fish with healthy gills are seen as a symbol of vitality and resilience.
  • Folk tales often feature aquatic creatures with gills, symbolizing their connection to the mysteries of the water.
  • Art and literature frequently draw on the imagery of gilled beings, representing the intersection between land and water.

Origin of 'gilled'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'gill' comes from the Old English word 'gill', which originally meant the breathing organ of fish.
  • In Latin, 'branchia' refers to gills, showing the connection to ancient descriptions of underwater breathing.
  • The spelling 'gilled' was first recorded in English texts during the late 15th century, showing its historical usage.

The term 'gilled' derives from the Old English word 'giela,' which referred to the gills or respiratory organs of aquatic creatures. This term has a rich history, as it has been used in various scientific contexts to describe the anatomy of fish and other organisms that inhabit water. The word has evolved in English but retains its core meaning associated with breathing underwater. In the scientific community, 'gilled' is often used in taxonomy to categorize species based on their respiratory systems. Over time, the understanding of gills has expanded, leading to further research in evolutionary biology, where gilled organisms are examined in relation to their terrestrial counterparts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,531, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.