the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
"After chopping up a large piece of beef, we added the meat to the pot along with some fish from last night's catch."
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
"the gist of the prosecutor's argument"
"the heart and soul of the Republican Party"
"the nub of the story"
The flesh (muscle tissue) of an animal used as food.
"We grilled some beef for dinner because everyone was craving meat tonight."
In plain English: Meat is the edible flesh of an animal that people cook and eat for food.
"I am having chicken for dinner because I love meat."
Usage: Use "meat" to refer to the edible muscle tissue of animals that serves as a primary source of protein in a meal. It does not apply to other body parts or non-animal ingredients unless specified metaphorically.
The word "meat" comes from the Old English mete, which originally meant "food." Its roots trace back to a Proto-Indo-European term for dripping or grease, reflecting how early speakers associated flesh with its fatty contents.