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Peeling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peeling

[ˈpiːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fruit

The action of removing the skin or rind from a fruit or vegetable.

Synonyms

paring, skinning, stripping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peeling

This is commonly used when talking about removing the outer layer of fruits or vegetables. It can also refer to paint or wallpaper coming off a surface.

  • She spent the afternoon peeling apples for the pie
  • The paint is peeling off the walls
skinning

This is usually used when removing the entire skin of an animal or sometimes for fruits and vegetables. It has a more literal and specific meaning compared to 'peeling'.

  • They were skinning the fish before cooking it
  • He skinned the rabbit for their dinner
paring

This often means trimming or cutting away the outer edges or surface, usually to make something smaller or neater. It is most commonly used in relation to fruits and vegetables.

  • He was carefully paring the apple to make sure he didn't waste any good parts
  • She pared the cucumber before adding it to the salad
stripping

This can refer to removing a layer or covering from something. It is used in a wide range of situations including paint, wallpaper, insulation, and even clothing. It may carry a negative connotation if referring to removing something forcefully.

  • They spent the weekend stripping the old wallpaper
  • She stripped the bed sheets to wash them

Examples of usage

  • She was peeling an orange for a snack.
  • The peeling of the apple revealed its juicy flesh.
Context #2 | Noun

paint

A piece of paint that has come off a surface, typically in a thin strip.

Synonyms

chip, flake, scale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peeling

Used when something is coming off in thin layers, typically about skin, paint, or fruit/vegetable skins.

  • The paint was peeling off the walls
  • I spent an hour peeling potatoes
flake

Describes small, thin pieces coming off, often in reference to substances like paint, snowfall, or skin.

  • The snow began to fall in large flakes
  • The old paint had started to flake off
chip

Refers to a small piece breaking off from a larger object, often used with ceramics, glass, or wood. Sometimes also used in the context of damaged teeth.

  • There was a chip in the edge of the ceramic plate
  • He had a small chip on his front tooth after the accident
scale

Used in two ways: either describing the removal of thin layers, like fish scales, or referring to the flaky residue itself which can have a negative connotation related to cleanliness or health issues.

  • She scaled the fish with a knife
  • His scalp was covered in dry scales

Examples of usage

  • There were paint peelings on the floor after the renovation.
  • The old house needed a fresh coat of paint to prevent further peeling.
Context #3 | Noun

skin

A small thin piece of skin that has come off, typically as a result of sunburn or dryness.

Synonyms

flaking, shedding, sloughing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peeling

As the same word is repeated, it would have the same meanings and contexts.

  • She spent the morning peeling apples for pie.
  • After the sunburn, his skin started peeling.
flaking

Used when small, thin pieces are coming off, often associated with paint, skin, or dandruff.

  • The old paint was flaking off the walls.
  • He noticed his skin flaking due to dryness in the winter.
shedding

Usually used when something naturally falls off, like hair, animal fur, or old skin cells. Can be used figuratively to describe getting rid of something unnecessary or unwanted.

  • The dog is shedding its winter coat.
  • He is shedding old habits and adopting new ones.
sloughing

Used to describe the process of an outer layer being shed or removed, often in a biological or medical context. It can also imply the removal of something dead or unwanted.

  • The snake is sloughing its old skin.
  • The doctor explained the process of sloughing dead tissue from the wound.

Examples of usage

  • After the sunburn, her shoulder started to show peeling.
  • The peeling on his hands was a sign of dehydration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • In cooking, removing the skin of potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables enhances flavor and texture.
  • Some fruits have skins that are rich in nutrients, while others are best enjoyed without the skin.
  • Techniques for peeling vary widely, including using knives, peelers, and even boiling methods.

Science

  • Peeling fruits can help in studying their chemical compounds that are beneficial for nutrition.
  • In botany, the process of peeling away layers can reveal the structure of a plant and its growth process.
  • Understanding how skin layers peel can inform studies in dermatology concerning skin health.

Art and Culture

  • In art, peeling layers can symbolize revealing deeper truths or inner selves, often seen in paintings and literature.
  • Peeling paint on buildings is often used in photography to signify decay and the passage of time.
  • Cultural sayings often use peeling metaphorically, about uncovering layers of meaning in life experiences.

Psychology

  • The act of peeling can be seen as a metaphor for personal growth: removing layers of protection to reveal the core self.
  • Some people find satisfaction in peeling, as it provides a tangible sense of progress and control.
  • In therapy, peeling back layers of trauma is essential for healing and understanding one's emotional landscape.

Origin of 'peeling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'peel' comes from the Old French word 'peler,' which means to remove the skin.
  • It has been used in English since at least the 14th century, initially referring to fruits.
  • The term has evolved to include many things, from peeling vegetables to removing layers in construction.

The word 'peeling' originated from the Middle English word 'pelen' meaning 'to remove the skin or rind'. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, ranging from fruit preparation to paint deterioration and skin conditions.

See also: peel.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,541, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.