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DictionarypeelOuter covering
noun / verb

peel

PEEL/piːl/

An outer layer that can be stripped away.

The man pulls a broad strip of peel from the banana.

A man pulls a broad strip of peel downward from a partially peeled banana, clearly exposing the pale fruit beneath its yellow outer covering.
Etymology
peelLatinhair

Latin pilus, “hair,” underlies a verb meaning “strip of hair.” That removal image broadened to stripping away skin, bark, or rind—the outer covering rather than just its hair.

In context

ehow0:14
there are two ways you can peel an apple you're going to either have your par knife or your peeler I'm going to start with a paring knife get that little so circular motion going right there keep turning it
Cooking & Culinary Tips : How to Peel & Core Apples

More examples

  • Grated orange peel adds flavor to the cake.
  • I peel the potatoes before boiling them.
  • The paint peels away from the damp wall.

Forms

peel · peels · peeled · peeling

peeler noun — A tool for removing fruit or vegetable skins.

Similar words

rind
Usually a thicker, tougher covering, especially on fruit or cheese.
skin
A broader term for an outer covering, removable or not.
husk
A dry, often papery covering around seeds or corn.