Gill

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɡɪl/
• Rhymes: -ɪl

From Middle English gile ("gill"), from Old Norse giolnar ("lips")

Full definition of gill

Noun

1. (animal anatomy) A breathing organ of fish and other aquatic animals.
• RayFishes perform respiration under water by the gills.
2. (of a fish) A gill slit or gill cover.Gill nets are designed to catch a fish by the gills.
3. (mycology) One of the radial folds on the underside of the cap of a mushroom, on the surface of which the spore-producing organs are borne.
4. (animal anatomy) The fleshy flap that hangs below the beak of a fowl; a wattle.
5. (figuratively) The flesh under or about the chin; a wattle.
6. (spinning) One of the combs of closely ranged steel pins which divide the ribbons of flax fiber or wool into fewer parallel filaments.

Synonyms

• (mycology) lamella

Derived terms

• green about the gills
• to the gills

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dʒɪl/
• Rhymes: -ɪl
• Homophones: Jill

From Old French gille ("a wine measure"), from Medieval Latin gillo ("earthenware jar")

Noun

1. A drink measure for spirits and wine. Size varies regionally but it is about one quarter of a pint.
2. (archaic, British) A measuring jug holding a quarter or half a pint.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɡɪl/
• Rhymes: -ɪl

From Middle English gille, from Old Norse gil

Noun

1. (British) rivulet
2. (British) ravine

Etymology uncertain.

Noun

1. A two-wheeled frame for transporting timber.

Alternative forms

• gill

Noun

1. (Scotland) A leech.----