Word
flesh
Meanings
the soft tissue of a person or animal’s body under the skin
the soft, edible inside part of a fruit
a human body seen as a physical, sensual thing (often contrasted with the spirit or mind)
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Definition
Flesh is the soft part of a person or animal’s body under the skin, or the soft inside part of a fruit.
Flesh most commonly refers to the soft tissue of a person or animal, especially the part under the skin. It can also mean the soft, edible inside of a fruit, such as a peach or avocado. In some contexts, it contrasts with bone, skin, or peel.
Examples
- After the fall, he had a scrape where the skin broke and the flesh was visible.
- In the heat, I could feel the strap digging into my flesh as I carried the heavy bag.
- The chef praised the mango for its fragrant flesh and clean, bright flavor.
- She wrote about the tension between the mind’s ideals and the limits of the flesh.
- They covered the roast so the flesh would stay tender instead of drying out.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use flesh when they simply mean skin; flesh is the soft tissue under the skin, not the skin itself.
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