What's the difference between "rind", "peel", and "skin"? [closed]

Solution 1:

In the context of fruit, there's enough overlap that the words are functionally synonymous. Some fruits are paired with certain words by convention, as Mitch comments, but it's often still acceptable to use either of the other words. Skin includes "outer coatings" that may not be thick or firm enough to be considered rinds.

• Rind

  • a thick and firm outer coat or covering, as of certain fruits, cheeses, and meats: watermelon rind; orange rind; bacon rind.
  • the bark of a tree.

• Peel – Though not in the definition, the word is often used after removal, as Spencer notes.

  the skin or rind of a fruit, vegetable, etc.

• Skin is a general word to refer to outer coatings. It has uses beyond fruit.

  • the external covering or integument of an animal body, especially when soft and flexible.
  • any integumentary covering, casing, outer coating, or surface layer, as an investing membrane, the rind or peel of fruit, or a film on liquid:

Solution 2:

As a noun, for external coverings of plants or animal parts (usually food), the three have their nuances: 'rind' is used more often for thicker or tougher things like citrus fruits and melons, and 'skin' or 'peel' for thinner things like apples, potatoes, or grapes. 'skin' and 'peel are often interchangeable for plant products, but 'peel' is never used for animal products.

As verbs, 'rind' is never used, and 'peel' is never used for animals. The verb is used for a fruit just as the noun: for example, you can peel or skin a grape and likewise have the grape peel or skin, but you can only peel a banana resulting in a banana peel (skin sound weird for both).

Examples:

• the rind of a brie
• melon, orange, lemon rind
• pork rinds (fried pig skin)
• orange, lemon peel
• banana peel
• potato peel (but 'potato skins' as an edible dish)
• apple/pear/grape skin/peel

If it isn't in that list it is not commonly said.