First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1pellet
noun pel·let \ˈpe-lət\
: a small, hard ball of food, medicine, etc.
: a small metal object that is shot from a gun
Full Definition of PELLET
1
a : a usually small rounded, spherical, or cylindrical body (as of food or medicine) b : a wad of indigestible material (as of bones and fur) regurgitated by a bird of prey
2
: any of various projectiles fired from a weapon (as an air rifle)
— pel·let·al \-lə-təl\ adjective
See pellet defined for English-language learners
See pellet defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PELLET
Middle English pelote, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *pilota, diminutive of Latin pila ball
2pellet
verb
PELLET Defined for Kids
pellet
noun pel·let \ˈpe-lət\
Definition of PELLET for Kids
1
: a little ball (as of food or medicine)
2
: a piece of small shot
3
: a wad of material (as bones and fur) that cannot be digested and has been thrown up by a bird of prey (as an owl)
Medical Dictionary
pellet
noun pel·let \ˈpel-ət\
Medical Definition of PELLET
: a usually small rounded or spherical body; specifically : a small cylindrical or ovoid compressed mass (as of a hormone) that is implanted subcutaneously for slow absorption into bodily tissues
Learn More About PELLET
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: pellet bellPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pellagricAll Words Near: pellet
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up pellet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).