gill

²gill

noun \ˈgil\

Definition of GILL

1

: an organ (as of a fish) for obtaining oxygen from water

2

a : ³wattle b : the flesh under or about the chin or jaws —usually used in plural c : one of the radiating plates forming the undersurface of the cap of a mushroom fungus

— gilled \ˈgild\ adjective

— to the gills

: as full or as much as possible <a suitcase packed to the gills>

Origin of GILL

Middle English gile, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish gäl gill, Old Norse gjǫlnar lips; akin to Greek chelynē lip, jawbone

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral