# flesh

/ˈfɫɛʃ/ (US) · /flˈɛʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flesh
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. body tissue

noun · CEFR B2

the soft parts of the body between the skin and the bones, mostly muscle and fat.

For teachers: the soft substance of a human or animal body, consisting primarily of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

- The arrow had pierced the flesh of his shoulder but missed the bone.
- The surgeon carefully retracted the layers of flesh to expose the underlying vascular structure during the emergency procedure.

### 2. fruit/vegetables

noun · CEFR B2

the soft part of a fruit or vegetable that you can eat.

For teachers: the pulpy, edible part of a fruit or vegetable, distinct from the skin, seeds, or core.

- Cut the melon in half and scoop out the sweet orange flesh.
- The recipe requires you to roast the eggplant until the flesh is tender enough to be mashed into a smooth paste.

### 3. the physical body

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

the human body and its physical desires, often compared to the mind or soul.

For teachers: the physical or mortal aspect of humanity, frequently contrasted with the spiritual or intellectual components.

- The monk believed that the spirit was strong but the flesh was weak.
- In many theological traditions, the flesh represents the site of worldly temptation and the transient nature of mortal existence.

### 4. skin

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

the surface of the human body; your skin.

For teachers: the surface or skin of a human being, often used when describing sensation or appearance.

- She felt the cold wind against her bare flesh.
- The silk fabric felt incredibly smooth against his flesh, a stark contrast to the rough wool he usually wore.

### 5. to remove tissue

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to take the meat or fat off a skin or hide.

For teachers: to strip the flesh or fat from a hide during the tanning or leather-making process.

- The hunter used a sharp knife to flesh the deer hide before drying it.
- Properly fleshing the pelt is a critical step in taxidermy to ensure the skin does not rot during the curing process.

## Examples

- The apple has sweet, white flesh under its red skin.
- The surgeon carefully cut through the flesh to reach the damaged bone.
- The theological text contrasts the desires of the flesh with the aspirations of the spirit, reflecting a traditional dualistic view of human nature.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.