Gizzard

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɡɪz.ərd/

Definitions

• A specialized muscular stomach found in birds, earthworms, and some fish, used for grinding food.
• In culinary terms, the edible stomach of a fowl, often used in soups and stews.

Usage Examples

• Chickens use their gizzard to grind up grains and seeds.
• The chef prepared a dish featuring braised gizzards in a rich sauce.
• Some birds swallow small stones to help their gizzards break down food more effectively.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French "gesier," which traces back to the Latin "gigeria," referring to cooked entrails.

Synonyms

• Crop (in some birds)
• Ventriculus
• Digestive stomach

Antonyms

• Intestine
• Esophagus
• Proventriculus

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈɡɪz.əd/
• American English: /ˈɡɪz.ərd/

Historical Usage

Gizzards have been mentioned in various medieval cookbooks and were often consumed as a delicacy in different cultures. The term has also been used figuratively to refer to courage or inner strength in some historical texts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cuisines, gizzards are considered a delicacy. In Asian and African cooking, they are often stir-fried or grilled, while in the Southern United States, they are deep-fried as a popular snack.

More Information

Gizzards play a crucial role in the digestive process of birds, helping them break down hard foods like seeds and grains. They are an important food source in many cultures, often used in soups, stews, and street food dishes worldwide.