terefah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal, religious/technical
Quick answer
What does “terefah” mean?
Not kosher because the animal has been torn or mortally wounded, making it unfit for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Not kosher because the animal has been torn or mortally wounded, making it unfit for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws.
Used metaphorically to describe anything that is impure, unfit, or forbidden.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or pronunciation; both dialects use the term similarly in religious contexts.
Connotations
Religious and legal connotations related to Jewish law, with no additional cultural variations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily used within Jewish communities, academic discussions, or religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “terefah” in a Sentence
be terefahdeclare something terefahVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terefah” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The lamb was found to be terefah after the inspection.
- In our community, terefah products are strictly avoided.
American English
- The chicken was declared terefah due to a broken wing.
- They ensure no terefah meat enters the kitchen.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and Jewish law discussions.
Everyday
Rarely used outside specific religious contexts.
Technical
Central term in kashrut (Jewish dietary law) for describing animals with fatal defects.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terefah”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtɛrɪfə/ or using it to mean simply 'non-kosher' without the specific condition of being torn.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly; terefah specifically refers to an animal that is non-kosher due to being torn or having fatal injuries, whereas non-kosher can include other prohibitions like mixing meat and dairy.
It is primarily a technical term in kashrut, but it can be used metaphorically to describe something impure or unfit in other contexts, though this is rare and often stylized.
In British English, it is often pronounced as /tɛˈrɛfɑː/, and in American English, as /təˈrɛfə/, with stress on the second syllable.
Common synonyms include non-kosher, unfit for consumption, forbidden, and impure, but note that terefah has a more specific meaning in religious law.
Not kosher because the animal has been torn or mortally wounded, making it unfit for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws.
Terefah is usually formal, religious/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tear' and 'far' – an animal torn far from being kosher.
Conceptual Metaphor
Impurity as physical damage or tearing.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'terefah' specifically refer to in Jewish dietary law?