■ noun
1》 the stomach or belly.
↘ Medicine & Biology the intestine.
↘( ~s ) entrails that have been removed or exposed.
↘fibre from the intestines of animals, used especially for violin or racket strings.
2》 ( ~s ) the internal parts or essence of something.
3》 ( ~s ) informal used in names attributing negative characteristics: greedy ~s.
4》 ( ~s ) informal courage and determination.
5》 [as modifier ] informal (of a feeling or reaction) instinctive.
6》 a narrow passage or strait.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ting , ~ted )
1》 remove the internal organs of (a fish or other animal) before cooking.
2》 remove or destroy the internal parts of (a structure).
Phrases
bust a ~ informal make a strenuous effort.
hate someone's ~s informal dislike someone intensely.
have someone's ~s for garters Brit. humorous used as a threat of punishment.
sweat (or work ) one's ~s out informal work extremely hard.
Origin
OE ~tas (plural), prob. related to gēotan 'pour'.