Meaning & Definition of word "Gill"

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    Gill

    /ɡɪl/

    noun:

    • 1. A gill is a respiratory organ found in many aquatic organisms, such as fish, that allows them to extract oxygen from water.
      • Example: Fish use their gills to breathe underwater.
    • 2. A gill is also a unit of measurement for liquids, typically equal to one-fourth of a US pint or about 118 milliliters.
      • Example: Please pour me a gill of whiskey.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'gille', from Old Norse 'gild', meaning 'to pay or tribute'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    gill net:

    A type of fishing net used to catch fish by entangling their gills.

    gill slits:

    The openings in fish where water exits after passing over the gills.

    Related Words

    branch:

    A part of a tree or shrub that grows out from the trunk.

    gillnet:

    A type of net used for fishing that targets fish by gill entanglement.

    Slang Meanings of gill

    Meaning: A term used informally for a drink.

    Example Sentence: Let's grab a gill at the pub.