flesh
flesh definition
flesh (fles̸h)
noun
- the soft substance of the body (of a person or animal) between the skin and the bones; esp., the muscular tissue
- the surface or skin of the body to feel one's flesh crawl
- the flesh of any animal as food; meat; esp., meat other than fish or fowl
- the pulpy or edible part of fruits and vegetables
- the human body, as distinguished from the soul more than flesh can bear
- human nature, esp. in its sensual aspect
- all living beings, esp. all humankind
- kindred or relatives: now mainly in one's (own) flesh and blood: see phrase at flesh and blood
- the typical color of a white person's skin; yellowish pink
- Informal plumpness; fat you've been putting on flesh
Etymology: ME < OE flæsc, akin to Ger fleisch < ? IE base *plēk-, to tear off > flay
transitive verb
- to feed (animals) with flesh so as to incite them to hunt or kill
- to prepare for or incite to bloodshed, etc. by a foretaste
- to harden; inure
- to plunge (a weapon) into flesh
- to put flesh on; fatten
- to fill out as if with flesh; realize or make full, as by the addition of details: usually with out
- to remove flesh from (a hide)
intransitive verb
to grow fleshy or fat: usually with out or up
flesh Idioms
in the flesh
- alive
- actually present; in person
press the flesh
☆Informal to shake hands or embrace, mingle, etc. effusively in crowds, esp. in politicking
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