Meat: meaning, definitions and examples

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meat

[miːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

Flesh of animals used as food, typically consisting mainly of muscle and fat. Meat is a valuable source of protein and other essential nutrients.

Synonyms

beef, flesh, protein.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meat	General term for edible animal tissue, commonly used in everyday conversation and cooking. I like to eat meat for dinner The recipe calls for two pounds of meat
flesh	Usually used in a more literary or scientific context to describe the soft tissue of both humans and animals. It can have a slightly negative or eerie connotation. The book described the creature’s flesh in vivid detail The flesh of the fruit is soft and juicy
protein	Used in both nutritional and scientific contexts to refer to nutrients found in food, which include meat. Commonly used in discussions about diet and health. I need to add more protein to my diet Meat is a good source of protein
beef	Refers specifically to the meat from cows. Commonly used in grocery shopping, cooking, and dining. I bought some beef for the barbecue She makes a great beef stew

Examples of usage

She grilled the meat on the barbecue.
He ordered a steak cooked rare.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The essence or most important part of something.

Synonyms

core, essence, heart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meat	Used to refer to the substance or the most important part of something, often in discussions or writings. The meat of the argument centers around this point. We need to get to the meat of the issue.
essence	Refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially when talking about abstract concepts or philosophical discussions. The essence of his theory is simplicity. She captured the essence of the experience in her writing.
core	Commonly used to describe the central or innermost part of something, both literally and figuratively. Often used in scientific or technical contexts. We need to find the core of the problem. The core of the Earth consists of molten rock.
heart	Often used metaphorically to talk about the central, most vital part of something, or to express the human aspect or emotion within a situation. The heart of the city is its people. The heart of his message was love and compassion.

Examples of usage

The meat of the argument was about funding.
Let's get to the meat of the issue.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

slang

To relax or pass time aimlessly.

Synonyms

chill, hang out, lounge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meat	Typically used to refer to animal flesh that is eaten as food. It is often used when discussing cooking, dietary preferences, or meals. The chef prepared a delicious meat stew for dinner. I don't eat meat because I am a vegetarian.
lounge	Refers to sitting or lying in a relaxed or lazy way. It is often used when someone is being leisurely, typically indoors. I like to lounge on the couch and read a book on Sundays. They spent the whole day lounging by the pool.
chill	Informal term used when someone wants to relax or take it easy. It can refer to both relaxing at home or in a casual setting with friends. Let's chill at my place and watch a movie. After a long week at work, I just want to chill this weekend.
hang out	Used when you spend time relaxing, talking, or doing casual activities with friends. It's often associated with social interactions. Do you want to hang out at the mall this afternoon? We usually hang out at the park when the weather is nice.

Examples of usage

Let's just meat around this weekend.
I like to meat out on the couch.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

Different cultures have unique ways of cooking meat, like grilling in America or barbecuing in Korea.
Some cultures celebrate festive occasions with special meat dishes, showing its importance in social gatherings.
In vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, alternative meat products are made from plants to mimic the taste and texture.

Nutritional Science

Meat is often a good source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
Red meat contains iron, important for making blood, while white meat is generally considered lower in fat.
Cooking meat properly kills harmful bacteria, making it safe to eat.

Historical Context

Throughout history, hunting and butchering practices shaped human diets and influenced settlement patterns.
In ancient civilizations, meat was often a symbol of wealth and power, often reserved for the elite.
Agricultural advancements allowed for domestication of animals, greatly increasing meat availability.

Environmental Impact

The production of meat is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting discussions about sustainable diets.
Overfishing and overgrazing can lead to environmental degradation, affecting entire ecosystems.
Increasing demand for meat has led to innovative practices like lab-grown meat as an alternative.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, rituals around meat preparation and consumption are vital, reflecting traditions and values.
Certain meats are associated with specific holidays, such as turkey during Thanksgiving in the United States.
Popular debates exist in society regarding the ethics of meat consumption and animal rights.

Translations

Translations of the word "meat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carne

🇮🇳 मांस

🇩🇪 Fleisch

🇮🇩 daging

🇺🇦 м'ясо

🇵🇱 mięso

🇯🇵 肉 (にく)

🇫🇷 viande

🇪🇸 carne

🇹🇷 et

🇰🇷 고기 (gogi)

🇸🇦 لحم (lahm)

🇨🇿 maso

🇸🇰 mäso

🇨🇳 肉 (ròu)

🇸🇮 meso

🇮🇸 kjöt

🇰🇿 ет

🇬🇪 ხორცი (khorts'i)

🇦🇿 ət

🇲🇽 carne

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,333, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2330 controls
2331 reactions
2332 obligations
2333 meat
2334 fat
2335 glad
2336 card
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