flesh
UK: flɛʃ | US: flɛʃ
n. the soft substance of a human or animal body, consisting of muscle and fat
n. the edible part of a fruit or vegetable
n. physical or carnal nature, as opposed to spiritual
The word "flesh" traces back to Old English flǣsc, meaning "meat or soft body tissue." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Old Frisian flēsk, Old High German fleisc). Unlike many modern English words, "flesh" is not a compound or derived form but a compact, ancient term that has retained its core meaning over centuries. Its semantic range expanded metaphorically to include the edible part of plants and human corporeality (vs. spirit).
The surgeon carefully cut through the flesh to reach the bone.
The flesh of the mango is sweet and juicy.
He struggled between the desires of the flesh and his spiritual beliefs.
The tiger’s claws tore into the flesh of its prey.
Peel the fruit and discard the skin, keeping only the flesh.