gizzard

noun giz·zard \ˈgi-zərd\

: a part in the stomach of a bird in which food is broken down into small pieces

Full Definition of GIZZARD

a : the muscular enlargement of the alimentary canal of birds that has usually thick muscular walls and a tough horny lining for grinding the food and when the crop is present follows it and the proventriculus

b : a thickened part of the alimentary canal in some animals (as an insect or an earthworm) that is similar in function to the crop of a bird

: innards

See gizzard defined for English-language learners

See gizzard defined for kids

Origin of GIZZARD

alteration of Middle English giser gizzard, liver, from Anglo-French gesir, giser, from Latin gigeria (plural) giblets

First Known Use: 1565

Rhymes with GIZZARD

blizzard, izzard, lizard, vizard, wizard

GIZZARD Defined for Kids

gizzard

noun giz·zard \ˈgi-zərd\

Definition of GIZZARD for Kids

: a large muscular part of the digestive tract (as of a bird) in which food is churned and ground into small bits

Medical Dictionary

gizzard

noun giz·zard \ˈgiz-ərd\

Medical Definition of GIZZARD

: the muscular enlargement of the alimentary canal of birds that has usually thick muscular walls and a tough horny lining for churning and grinding the food