gristle

noun
gris·​tle | \ ˈgri-səl How to pronounce gristle (audio) , -zəl How to pronounce gristle (audio) \

Definition of gristle

: cartilage broadly : tough cartilaginous, tendinous, or fibrous matter especially in table meats

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Examples of gristle in a Sentence

a cheap piece of meat, full of gristle and fat

Recent Examples on the Web

This connective tissue changes during cooking and adds texture – and gristle – to meat. Natalie R. Rubio, The Conversation, "So far cultured meat has been burgers – the next big challenge is animal-free steaks," 5 July 2019 As for that gristle: Raise your napkin to your mouth, spit it inside and discreetly fold the napkin over it in your lap. Carolyne Zinko, SFChronicle.com, "Techies change the world, but can they choose the right knife and fork?," 3 July 2018 It’s thick-cut, with a little fat and a little gristle, and super tender, juicy white meat. Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, "Getting Salty with Damon Lequin of Eastern Standard," 11 June 2018 One snip of the scissors and the fat fell away, leaving an incredibly tender steak blessedly free of the greasy gristle and chewy char found on the other steaks my parents tried to force on me. Bill Daley, chicagotribune.com, "In praise of filet mignon: Maligned by chefs yet still beloved," 14 June 2018 The girls are also given more origin-story gristle. Rachel Syme, The New Republic, "Picnic at Hanging Rock," 22 May 2018 Tear pork into shaggy pieces, discarding any sections of fat or gristle, and return meat to pot with cooking liquid. Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit, "Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Butternut Squash," 19 Mar. 2018 Marinate beef: Trim off any gristle from the beef, then cut into 3/4-inch (2-cm) cubes. Debbi Snook, cleveland.com, "Paula Wolfert's Indonesian Beef Satay (recipe)," 25 Apr. 2018 Remove the pork from the pot and use two forks to shred it, discarding any gristle. Jill Gibson, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Garbure, a hearty French soup of meat, beans, cabbage, and potatoes, is eaten year-round," 23 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gristle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of gristle

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gristle

Middle English gristil, from Old English gristle; akin to Middle Low German gristel gristle

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More Definitions for gristle

gristle

noun

English Language Learners Definition of gristle

: tough matter in meat that is difficult to eat

gristle

noun
gris·​tle | \ ˈgri-səl How to pronounce gristle (audio) \

Kids Definition of gristle

Other Words from gristle

gristly \ ˈgris-​lē \ adjective

gristle

noun
gris·​tle | \ ˈgris-əl How to pronounce gristle (audio) \

Medical Definition of gristle

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