Flesh Meaning
Flesh Definition & Usage
The soft tissue that covers the bones and muscles of humans and other animals, typically composed of skin, fat, and connective tissues.
Examples
- "The doctor examined the patient's flesh for any signs of infection."
- "After the accident, the flesh on his arm was severely bruised."
- "The flesh of the fruit was sweet and juicy."
- "He had a deep cut on his leg that exposed the flesh beneath."
- "She could feel the warmth of the sun on her flesh as she walked outside."
The essential, superficial, or external part of something.
Examples
- "The campaign focused on the flesh of the issues, not the underlying causes."
- "He only showed the flesh of the truth, not the full story."
- "The movie didn’t delve deeply into the flesh of the character’s motivations."
- "The novel captured the flesh of the city’s culture, but failed to explore its soul."
- "While the restaurant’s menu had the flesh of local flavors, it lacked authenticity."
To cut or scrape away the flesh, typically in the context of butchering or preparing food.
Examples
- "The chef expertly fleshed the fish, removing all bones and skin."
- "He had to flesh the chicken before cooking it."
- "The hunter fleshed the deer as part of the skinning process."
- "She spent the afternoon fleshing the fish for dinner."
- "In the old days, they would flesh the hide to prepare leather."
Cultural Context
The word 'flesh' has long been used to describe the soft tissue of animals and humans. It appears in a variety of contexts, from anatomical descriptions to more figurative, literary uses. Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass the surface or external aspects of many things, including ideas and objects. Additionally, it plays a prominent role in many religious, philosophical, and artistic contexts, often symbolizing the material or mortal nature of humans in contrast to the spiritual or divine.
The Flesh of the Matter
Story
The Flesh of the Matter
In a small, quiet town nestled between rolling hills, Sarah, a young doctor, worked tirelessly at the local clinic. One evening, an emergency call brought her to the scene of a brutal accident. The man, lying on the ground, was badly injured with deep gashes in his flesh. As Sarah worked quickly to clean the wounds, she couldn’t help but think about how fragile human flesh really was. It was a stark reminder that beneath the surface, we were all vulnerable. Later that night, Sarah sat at her desk, writing a report. She reflected on her thoughts earlier. The flesh of the patient had been torn open, but it was his spirit that had carried him through. She thought about how so many people were too focused on the flesh—on outward appearances—and missed the true essence of life, the unseen parts that mattered most. It was the same in her work, in her relationships, and in her own soul. While the flesh of her work seemed demanding and exhausting, it was the deeper parts of her mission that gave it meaning. As the night drew on, Sarah found herself contemplating the metaphorical flesh of the town itself—the superficial way people interacted, just as they often did in the medical field. Everyone was so concerned with appearances, with the skin-deep problems, that they forgot to address the real issues that lay beneath. She made a silent vow to herself that she would approach her work—and her life—differently. No more just focusing on the flesh. She would seek out the deeper truths and strive to heal not just the body, but the spirit as well.
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