cervelle

French

Etymology

Inherited from Middle French cervelle, from Old French cervele, from Latin cerebella, the plural of cerebellum (whence French cerveau) reinterpreted as a feminine singular.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sɛʁ.vɛl/

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

cervelle f (plural cervelles)

1. (archaic or derogatory) brain (organ of thought)

   Synonym: cerveau

   Utilise ta cervelle, banane !

   Use your brain, idiot!

2. (cooking) brains

   cervelle de veau au beurre

   calf brains in butter

Derived terms

• sans cervelle
• se creuser la cervelle
• se faire sauter la cervelle

Further reading

• “cervelle”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.

Middle French

Etymology

From Old French cervele.

Noun

cervelle f (plural cervelles)

1. brain (anatomy)

Descendants

• French: cervelle