cutlet
A small, boneless piece of meat, typically from the leg of a lamb or the loin of a pig, often breaded and fried. / A small, shaped patty made from minced meat or vegetables, typically fried or baked.
Noun
pl: cutlets
This term describes a specific preparation of meat or meat-substitutes characterized by a flat, sliced, or molded shape. It carries a culinary connotation of refinement and precision, often associated with European cuisines where the meat is pounded thin to ensure quick, even cooking.
In modern dietary contexts, the word has expanded to include plant-based patties. While a patty is often thick and coarse, a cutlet implies a thinner, more structured piece that is frequently coated in breadcrumbs to create a crisp exterior.