Gristly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gristly

[หˆษกrษชstli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

texture of meat

Gristly refers to meat that is tough and chewy due to the presence of gristle, which is a type of cartilage. This texture can be unpleasant to eat, as it does not have the tenderness commonly associated with high-quality meat. Gristly meat is often less desirable in dishes, especially in whole cuts where a more tender bite is expected. It can occur in various cuts of meat, such as beef or pork.

Synonyms

chewy, fibrous, stringy, tough.

Examples of usage

  • I found the steak to be quite gristly.
  • The chicken had some gristly pieces that were hard to chew.
  • She avoided the gristly parts of the roast.
  • This cut is known for being tender, unlike the gristly ones.
  • The chef asked for feedback on the gristly texture of the dish.

Translations

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Origin of 'gristly'

The word 'gristly' originates from the Middle English term 'grist', which refers to the flesh of animals. The root 'grist' is derived from Old English 'grist', meaning 'to grind', and is related to how some meats can be tough and require more effort to chew. The suffix '-ly' indicates that the term is being used as an adjective, describing the texture and quality of the flesh. Over time, the word has come to specifically denote meat that contains a noticeable amount of gristle or cartilaginous tissue, which can produce a distinctly tough eating experience. This characteristic is often viewed negatively in culinary contexts, leading to the use of 'gristly' as a term to describe lower-quality cuts of meat.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,405, 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.