I. ˈfilə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V; in sense 2e “ or like filet noun
also fi·let fə̇ˈlā, ˈfi(ˌ)lā
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English filet, from Middle French filet, diminutive of fil thread — more at file
1. : a narrow strip of ornamental material (as a ribbon for a woman's hair or a border or edging of a painting)
2. : a thin narrow strip of any material: as
a. : a narrow strip of card clothing
b. : a strip of metal from which coin blanks are punched
c. : a scantling smaller than a batten
d. : a band of fibers ; specifically : lemniscus
e.
[French filet, from Middle French]
: a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish ; specifically : the tenderloin of beef — compare filet mignon
3.
a. : a concavely curved section at the angle formed by the junction of two surfaces : a rounded inside corner ; also : a strip fitted into the angle of such a junction or corner to form a concave section
b. : a fairing member of metal, wood, or fabric employed to promote smooth airflow at an internal angle produced by the juncture of two surfaces on an aircraft
c. : a bead of cementing material placed along a joint formed by two parts or pieces to strengthen the joint or make it watertight
4. : a narrow flat member:
a. : a flat molding separating other moldings : reglet — see base illustration
b. : the space between two flutings in a shaft
5.
a. : a metal wheel for impressing designs on book covers — called also roulette
b. : the plain line or repetitive design in blind or gold rolled on a book by a fillet
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to bind, furnish, or adorn with or as if with a fillet
2. : to round off (a corner, hollow, or reentrant angle) with a fillet
3.
a. : to cut into fillets
b. : to treat as a fillet