gall Hear it!

gall1 definition

gall (gôl)

noun

  1. bile (sense )
  2. Archaic the gallbladder
  3. something that is bitter or distasteful
  4. bitter feeling; rancor
  5. ☆ rude boldness; impudence; audacity

Etymology: ME galle < OE (Anglian) galla (WS gealla), akin to Ger galle < IE base *ĝhel-, to shine, yellow > L fel, gall, Gr cholē, bile

gall2 definition

gall (gôl)

noun

  1. a sore on the skin, esp. of a horse's back, caused by rubbing or chafing
  2. irritation or annoyance, or a cause of this

Etymology: ME galle < OE gealla < L galla: see gall

transitive verb

  1. to injure or make sore by rubbing; chafe
  2. to irritate; annoy; vex

Etymology: ME gallen < the n. (or < OFr galer, to scratch < galle < L galla)

intransitive verb

Rare to become sore from rubbing or chafing
gall3 definition

gall (gôl)

noun

a tumor on plant tissue caused by stimulation by fungi, insects, or bacteria: galls formed on oak trees have a high tannic acid content and are used commercially

Etymology: ME galle < OFr < L galla, gallnut, orig., spherical growth < IE base *gel-, to form into a ball > clay, clot

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