flesh
UK[flɛʃ]US[flɛʃ]
n
the soft substance consisting of muscle and fat that is found between the skin and bones of an animal or a human
n
the soft inner part of a fruit or vegetable
Etymology
the word 'flesh' originates from the old english 'flǣsc,' which referred to the soft substance of the body. this old english term is cognate with german 'fleisch' and dutch 'vlees,' all stemming from the proto-germanic root 'flaiską.' this germanic root is further traced back to the proto-indo-European root 'pleh₁ḱ-,' meaning 'to tear' or 'to rend,' a vivid semantic link to the idea of meat being torn from an animal. over time, the meaning generalized from 'meat' to encompass the soft tissue of living bodies and was later extended metaphorically to describe the pulpy part of fruits and vegetables.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from old english. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the knife cut deep into the flesh of his arm.
after the workout, his muscles ached deep in the flesh.
the flesh of a ripe peach is sweet and juicy.