Definition

Describing something that is tough and chewy, often referring to meat that has a lot of cartilage or connective tissue.

Example

The steak was gristly and hard to chew, making it less enjoyable to eat.

Conversation

I tried that new barbecue place last night, but the meat was a bit gristly.

Oh no, that sounds disappointing!

Yeah, I couldn't enjoy it as much because of the gristly texture.

That's the worst! I prefer tender meat myself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gristly → It is formed from "grist" (from Old English *grist*, meaning grain that has been ground) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "gristly" refers to something that has the texture or quality of ground grain, often used to describe meat that is tough or contains gristle.

Memory Tip

Think of 'grist' as ground grain, and remember that 'gristly' describes something that has a tough texture, like gristle in meat.

Visually Confused Words