Abattoir Meaning and Definition
Abattoir
Pronunciation
/æbəˈtwɑːr/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A building or place where animals are slaughtered and processed for meat consumption, often associated with the production of butchered meat.
Examples
- The abattoir on the outskirts of town provided fresh meat to the local markets.
- Regulations governing the operations of abattoirs have improved animal welfare standards.
Synonyms
- Slaughterhouse
Antonyms
- Zoo
- Wildlife sanctuary
Etymology
The word “abattoir” comes from the French language, with roots in the Old French “abatre,” meaning “to strike down” or “to slaughter,” and has been used in English since the 17th century.
Usage Notes
The term “abattoir” is typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as industry reports, academic papers, or official guidelines, to refer to the specific facility or process of animal slaughter.
Cultural References
The abattoir has appeared in popular culture, often as a symbol of industrialization, urbanization, or the relationship between humans and animals. Examples include the film “The Three Disasters” (1975) and the novel “The Underneath” (2008).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Give it a butcher’s” (examine or investigate something)
- “Butcher’s hook” (a hook used for slaughter)
Related Words or Phrases
- Slaughter
- Bloodlust
- Carcass
Collocations
- Abattoir and slaughter
- Abattoir and processing
- Abattoir and meat production
Frequency of Use
The word “abattoir” is less common in everyday language, but its usage may increase in industries related to food production, animal welfare, or environmental concerns.
Common Misspellings
- Abatory
- Abotter
- Abatoir