fillet
UK: ˈfɪlɪt | US: fɪˈleɪ
n. a boneless cut of meat or fish
n. a narrow band or strip of material
vt. to remove bones from meat or fish
vt. to decorate with a narrow band or strip
The word fillet traces back to Latin filum (thread), reflecting its original sense of a thin strip or band. In Old French, filet (a diminutive form) referred to a small thread or narrow strip, which later extended to describe boneless cuts of meat (resembling slender strips) and decorative bands. The dual meanings in English—culinary and decorative—retain this thread-like imagery.
She ordered a salmon fillet for dinner.
The chef will fillet the trout before cooking.
A gold fillet adorned the edges of the ancient vase.
He used a knife to fillet the chicken breast neatly.
The dress was embellished with a delicate lace fillet.