Poultry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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poultry
[หpษสltri ]
Definition
farm animals
Poultry refers to domestic birds that are raised for their meat and eggs. This includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Poultry farming is a common practice worldwide due to the high demand for poultry products.
Synonyms
domestic birds, fowl.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| poultry |
Frequently used in culinary and commercial contexts, referring to birds like chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese that are raised for their meat and eggs.
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| fowl |
Common in both everyday speech and literature, it refers to birds, particularly those that are domesticated or wild game birds. It can sometimes carry a more rural or archaic tone.
|
| domestic birds |
Used to describe birds that are kept in homes or farms for companionship or agricultural purposes. This term encompasses a broad range of birds, including pet birds and farm birds.
|
Examples of usage
- She raises poultry on her farm for extra income.
- The supermarket sells a variety of poultry products, such as chicken and turkey.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Arts
- Poultry is a key ingredient in many cultures, appearing in dishes from chicken tikka masala in India to coq au vin in France.
- The global poultry industry accounts for over 50% of the total meat consumption worldwide.
- Dishes like fried chicken, roast turkey, and duck ร l'orange showcase the versatility of poultry in culinary traditions.
Agricultural Significance
- Raising poultry is one of the most common forms of animal husbandry, providing families with a sustainable food source.
- Poultry farming contributes significantly to the economy of many countries, especially in rural areas.
- Innovations in breeding have led to faster growth rates and improved feed efficiency, making poultry a vital source of protein.
Health and Nutrition
- Poultry is a lean source of protein and is often recommended for a healthy diet due to its lower fat content compared to red meats.
- It is rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium, which play a role in metabolism and immune function.
- Cooking poultry properly is important to avoid foodborne illnesses, making safe food handling practices essential.
Cultural Traditions
- In many cultures, festive meals include roast poultry, such as turkey during Thanksgiving in the United States.
- Certain rituals and ceremonies across different cultures celebrate the raising and consumption of poultry, symbolizing abundance.
- Poultry also appears frequently in folklore and literature, often associated with home and comfort.
Origin of 'poultry'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'pullus,' meaning a young animal, which has evolved through Old French into modern English.
- In medieval times, the term referred more generally to any young animal but evolved to specifically reference domesticated birds.
- The use of 'poultry' in English became popular around the 14th century.
The word 'poultry' originated from the Old French word 'pouletrie', which means 'domestic fowls'. Poultry farming has been practiced for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where domestic birds were raised for food. Over time, poultry farming has evolved with modern techniques to meet the growing demand for poultry products worldwide.