Flesh
UK /["/fleʃ/"]/US /["/fleʃ/"]/
Definition
the soft substance between the skin and bones of animal or human bodies
In simple words: The soft part of the body under the skin.
Examples
- The artist carefully sculpted the marble to resemble human flesh.
- She felt the cold air on her flesh as she stepped outside.
- In the story, vampires are described as creatures that feed on human flesh.
- The flesh of ripe peaches is sweet and juicy.
- After the accident, the doctor treated the injured flesh carefully to prevent infection.
- Flesh and blood are essential components of the human body.
- He had to remove the fish flesh from the bone before cooking it.
- The horror movie showed zombies consuming human flesh.
Usage notes
Typically used in medical or biological contexts. Less suitable in casual conversation. May sound graphic or intense when discussing injuries.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'flesh' as what you get when you 'flesh out' an idea with details – it adds substance.
Collocations
- firm
- smooth
- soft
- touch
- cut
- cut into
- crawl
- creep
- wound
- tone
- in the flesh
- flesh and blood
- flesh and bone
- the pleasures of the flesh
- firm
- smooth
- soft
- touch
- cut
- cut into
- crawl
- creep
- wound
- tone
- in the flesh
- flesh and blood
- flesh and bone
- the pleasures of the flesh
- soft
- sweet
- juicy
- chop
- cut
- scoop
- firm
- smooth
- soft
- touch
- cut
- cut into
- crawl
- creep
- wound
- tone
- in the flesh
- flesh and blood
- flesh and bone
- the pleasures of the flesh
Synonyms
- meat
- muscle
- tissue
- carcass
- pulp
Antonyms
- bone
- skeleton
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'flour' when pronouncing.
- Used inappropriately in abstract contexts, e.g., 'flesh of an idea'.
- Confused with 'flash' in spelling.