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knorpelig

cartilaginous, gristly

adjective KNOR-pe-likh Rare

Also means

tough and chewy

Usage Note

Knorpelig describes something that contains or resembles cartilage — tough, rubbery, and chewy. Used in anatomy (knorpeliges Gewebe) and of food (knorpeliges Fleisch). The food context is usually negative, implying meat with unwanted connective tissue.

Examples

"Das Fleisch war zäh und knorpelig und kaum zu kauen."

Natural Translation

The meat was tough and gristly and barely chewable.

Literal Translation

The meat was tough and gristly and barely to be chewed.

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