Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Pelt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒจ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

pelt

[pษ›lt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

animal skin

To strip or skin an animal, typically for its fur or skin.

Synonyms

flay, skin, strip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pelt

Used when referring to the fur or hide of an animal. It can also mean repeatedly hitting or throwing objects at something or someone.

  • The hunter carefully cleaned the rabbit's pelt
  • The children pelted the car with snowballs
skin

Commonly used when referring to removing the skin or outer layer from fruits, vegetables, or animals. It can also refer to the outer covering of a human or an animal.

  • She skinned the potatoes before boiling them
  • The hunter skinned the deer after capturing it
strip

Used when taking off layers or parts from something, not limited to skin. It can be used in various contexts, from removing paint to taking off clothes.

  • He stripped the old wallpaper from the walls
  • The workers stripped the car for usable parts
flay

Used in more intense scenarios where the removal of skin is harsh or violent. It also has a figurative use for severe criticism. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The butcher expertly flayed the fish
  • The critic flayed the movie with harsh reviews

Examples of usage

  • The hunters pelted the fox for its fur.
  • She pelted the deer to make a coat.
Context #2 | Verb

rapidly and continuously

To throw something at someone or something with great force and speed, often repeatedly.

Synonyms

bombard, hurl, shower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pelt

Use when referring to repeatedly throwing small objects or when itโ€™s raining hard.

  • The kids pelted each other with snowballs
  • The rain pelted down on the roof
bombard

Suitable for describing an intense or continuous attack with bombs or information.

  • The town was bombarded with artillery
  • She was bombarded with questions by reporters
hurl

Generally used when throwing something with a lot of force, often in anger or during sports.

  • He hurled the rock into the river
  • She hurls the javelin with great skill
shower

Describes a large number of objects falling or being thrown, often gently, or when referring to a light rain.

  • Confetti showered down on the bride and groom
  • There was a shower of compliments after his performance

Examples of usage

  • The kids pelted the house with snowballs.
  • Protesters pelted the police with rocks.
Context #3 | Noun

precipitation

A continuous fall of many things that cover a surface.

Synonyms

downpour, shower, torrent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pelt

Describes rain that falls very hard and fast, often suggesting intensity and force. Can sometimes also mean throwing something with force.

  • The storm started to pelt the windows
  • They began to pelt each other with snowballs
downpour

Refers to a heavy and sudden burst of rain, typically short-term and intense.

  • We got caught in a downpour on our way to the car
  • The weather forecast warned of sudden downpours
shower

Generally describes a light to moderate rain that doesn't last very long. It can also refer to a person or event being covered with particular items or emotions.

  • There will be scattered showers throughout the afternoon
  • She received a shower of compliments after her speech
torrent

Describes a very intense and overwhelming flow, often associated with powerful and rushing water. It can also be used metaphorically for a strong outburst of emotions or actions.

  • The rain fell in torrents, flooding the streets
  • He let out a torrent of anger after hearing the news

Examples of usage

  • The sudden pelt of rain caught us off guard.
  • The hail pelt was damaging to the crops.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures have historically used animal skins for clothing, tools, and housing, showcasing adaptability in resource use.
  • In many indigenous cultures, pelts are revered as symbols of respect for animals and nature, used in traditional ceremonies.
  • Certain pelts, like that of the mink or fox, are considered luxury items in fashion, often raising ethical debates about animal rights.

Science

  • Animal pelts have different characteristics, such as insulation and waterproofing, which are critical for survival in harsh climates.
  • The structure of fur or hide affects heat retention, making it crucial for cold-weather animals in their habitats.
  • Biologists study pelts to understand the health and genetics of animal populations in various ecosystems.

Pop Culture

  • Pelts featuring prominently in fashion have sparked trends that sometimes lead to the use of faux alternatives, as awareness of animal rights grows.
  • In films or literature, animals with beautiful pelts often symbolize beauty and mystery, influencing a viewer's perception.
  • Famous characters in stories and folklore (like the Big Bad Wolf) may be depicted wearing or possessing pelts, linking them to wild attributes.

Literature

  • Pelts appear in various literary works as motifs representing warmth, protection, and the relationship between humans and nature.
  • Classic fables often include characters associated with pelts to emphasize traits like cunning (fox) or courage (bear).
  • Authors have used pelts metaphorically to explore themes of identity, survival, and the passage of time.

Origin of 'pelt'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating from the Middle English word 'pelte,' which meant animal skin or hide.
  • The term has roots in Old French 'pelte,' derived from the Latin 'pellis,' meaning skin or hide.
  • The usage of the word evolved over time, first referring to fur and later expanding to any animal skin.

The word 'pelt' can be traced back to the Old French word 'pelote', meaning 'ball' or 'bullet'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the skin or fur of an animal. The verb form of 'pelt' emerged in the late 16th century, originally meaning 'to strike with a missile'.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,971, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.