What does GILLS mean?

Definition of Gills

1. Parts of Speech: Noun

2. Definition: Gills refer to the respiratory organs of fish and other aquatic animals, which extract dissolved oxygen from water and excrete carbon dioxide. They are also the fleshy, finger-like projections on the underside of the cap of a mushroom, which radiate from the stem and are used for spore dispersal.

3. Pronunciations: US: /ɡɪlz/; UK: /ɡɪlz/

4. Origin and Usage: The word "gills" originated from Middle English gile, from Old English giel, meaning "opening, orifice, or hollow." It has been used to refer to the respiratory organs of fish since the 14th century and to the mushroom structure since the 18th century.

5. Synonyms: Fish lungs, respiratory organs, mushroom fins, lamellae.

6. Related Words: Fungi, spore, scale, algae, hypha.

7. Example Sentences:

• The fish was gasping for air as its gills were clogged with mud.
• She sliced the mushrooms and removed the gills before cooking them.
• The scientist studied the gills of various fish species to understand their respiratory systems.