Pronunciation: [ˈabɐtwˌɑː] (IPA) 
Abattoir is a French word that refers to a slaughterhouse. It is pronounced as /æbətwɑːr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'ab' is pronounced like the word 'ab' with the æ sound, followed by 'a' as in 'bat' and 'o' as in 'law'. The last syllable 'toir' is pronounced as 'twar' with the final r being silent. To spell this word, remember to start with 'ab', add 'a', 't', 't', 'o', 'i' and 'r'.
An abattoir, also known as a slaughterhouse or a meatpacking plant, is a facility where animals are slaughtered and processed for food consumption. It serves as a crucial component of the livestock industry, ensuring the production of meat products for human consumption.
Typically, an abattoir consists of several areas designed to facilitate the various stages of the slaughtering and processing process. These areas may include holding pens, stunning areas, slaughter lines, and meat processing sections. The animals are first brought into the holding pens, where they are kept prior to slaughter. Stunning areas are utilized to swiftly stun the animals to minimize pain and stress. The main slaughter line, also known as the kill floor, is where the animals are slaughtered, usually through methods such as stunning, bleeding, and skinning. Following slaughter, the meat is processed and divided into different cuts for packaging and distribution. Further sections of the abattoir are devoted to by-product processing, such as rendering fat and processing bones.
Strict regulations and guidelines are implemented within abattoirs to ensure humane treatment of animals, worker safety, and compliance with sanitary standards. These regulations may include stunning techniques, handling procedures, waste management practices, and regular inspections by health authorities.
Abattoirs play a crucial role in the food supply chain, providing a source of meat for consumption while ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
A public slaughter-house.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word abattoir is derived from the French term abattre, which means to knock down or to slaughter. The term first appeared in English in the mid-19th century to refer to a slaughterhouse or a place where animals are killed for food. It is often used specifically for facilities that handle larger animals like cattle, sheep, or pigs. The word has its roots in Old French and Latin, ultimately coming from the Latin word abactus, which means a driving away.
