Definition

Noun: 1. Meat preserved by drying: "Jerked meat" refers to meat, especially beef, that has been cut into long, thin strips and then dried, traditionally in the sun or over a fire, to preserve it. This process removes moisture, preventing spoilage.

Usage

• "Jerked meat" is an uncountable noun. It refers to the food product as a whole, not to individual pieces.
• It is often used in historical or survival contexts to describe a traditional method of food preservation.
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used more broadly to refer to any meat preserved through this drying method, though beef is most common.
• Example:

Variants and Related Words

• Jerky (noun): This is the more common modern term for "jerked meat." It refers to the same dried, seasoned meat product.
  • Example: I bought a bag of beef jerky for the hike.
• To Jerk (verb, archaic): The historical verb meaning to cut meat into strips and dry it. This usage is now rare outside of historical texts.
  • Example: The pioneers would jerk their meat to prepare for winter.

Synonyms

• Dried meat: A general term for meat preserved by drying.
• Biltong: A similar South African product of dried, cured meat.
• Pemmican: A concentrated mixture of dried meat and fat, used historically by Native Americans.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "jerked" in "jerked meat" comes from the Spanish word , which itself is derived from the Quechua word , meaning dried meat. It is not related to the modern English verb "to jerk" meaning a quick, sharp movement.
• "Jerked meat" specifically implies a process of cutting and sun-drying, not the spicy Jamaican cooking method known as "jerking" or "jerk seasoning."

Noun

1. meat (especially beef) cut in strips and dried in the sun