peel

peel · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To remove the outer covering or skin from a fruit, vegetable, or other object.

  2. 2.

    To come off in layers or strips; to lose an outer covering.

  3. 3.

    (noun) The outer skin or rind of a fruit or vegetable.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    keep one's eyes peeled — to watch carefully; to be alert
  • •
    peel away/off — to separate from a group or surface
  • •
    peel out — (informal) to accelerate quickly, causing tires to spin

Related words

See also: pare, rind, skin, strip
Synonyms: pare, skin, strip

Etymology

From Old French peler ("to peel"), from Latin pilare ("to remove hair"), from pilus ("hair").