pulp
UK: pʌlp | US: pʌlp
n. a soft, wet mass of crushed material (e.g., fruit, wood, or paper)
n. the soft inner part of a fruit or tooth
vt. to reduce something to a soft, wet mass
The word "pulp" traces back to Latin pulpa, meaning "flesh" or "soft tissue." It entered Middle English via Old French (poulpe), originally referring to the fleshy part of fruit or meat. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any soft, moist substance, such as wood or paper fibers. The verb form emerged later, describing the act of crushing material into a pulp-like consistency.
The machine turns recycled paper into pulp for new products.
She spat out the orange pulp after drinking the juice.
The dentist warned him about the decay reaching the tooth’s pulp.
They pulped the old books to make eco-friendly packaging.
The novel was adapted from a classic pulp fiction story.