I. ˈpəlp noun
Etymology: Middle English pulpe, from Latin pulpa flesh, pulp
Date: 14th century
1.
a.
(1) : the soft, succulent part of a fruit usually composed of mesocarp
(2) : stem pith when soft and spongy
b. : a soft mass of vegetable matter (as of apples) from which most of the water has been extracted by pressure
c. : the soft sensitive tissue that fills the central cavity of a tooth — see tooth illustration
d. : a material prepared by chemical or mechanical means from various materials (as wood or rags) for use in making paper and cellulose products
2. : pulverized ore mixed with water
3.
a. : pulpy condition or character
b. : something in such a condition or having such a character
4. : a magazine or book printed on cheap paper (as newsprint) and often dealing with sensational material ; also : sensational or tabloid writing — often used attributively
pulp fiction
• pulp·i·ness ˈpəl-pē-nəs noun
• pulpy ˈpəl-pē adjective
II. verb
Date: 1683
transitive verb
1. : to reduce to pulp
pulp ed unsold copies of the book
2. : to cause to appear pulpy
3. : to deprive of the pulp
intransitive verb
: to become pulp or pulpy
• pulp·er noun