Choose the one-word substitute that correctly completes the sentence: "An abattoir is _____."

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your knowledge of a specific English noun often used in agriculture, food industry, and animal welfare discussions. You are asked to identify the correct definition of the word "abattoir" by choosing the option that completes the sentence accurately and precisely.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: "abattoir". - Sentence: "An abattoir is _____." - Options include different possible places related to animals or abbots. - Only one option matches the standard dictionary meaning.

Concept / Approach:
"Abattoir" is a French derived word used in English to mean "slaughterhouse". It refers to a place where animals are killed, usually for meat production. It does not refer to religious titles, places for abbots, or locations of animal worship. Therefore, the option that states "a place where animals are slaughtered" is the correct completion of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of an abattoir from news reports, animal welfare articles, or basic vocabulary lists. It is synonymous with "slaughterhouse". Step 2: Match this meaning with option A: "a place where animals are slaughtered". This is a direct and accurate definition. Step 3: Examine option B: "a place where abbots stay". This might tempt some candidates because of the similarity between "abattoir" and "abbot", but it is incorrect; abbots live in monasteries or abbeys, not abattoirs. Step 4: Examine option C: "a title of respect given to a priest or abbot". This confuses "abattoir" with forms like "abbé" or "abbot" and is completely unrelated to killing animals. Step 5: Examine option D: "a place where animals are worshipped". This describes a temple or sanctuary, again the opposite of a slaughterhouse. Step 6: Confirm that only option A matches the real world usage and dictionary definition of "abattoir".

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of typical sentences: "The government introduced stricter hygiene rules for abattoirs" or "Animal rights activists protested outside the abattoir". In both examples, animals are being killed for meat, not worshipped or sheltered. Replacing "abattoir" with "a place where animals are slaughtered" preserves the sense, while substituting any of the other options makes the sentence illogical or contradictory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options B and C incorrectly associate the word with religious roles or residences of abbots; this is likely included to test whether you are relying only on spelling similarity. Option D provides the opposite of the real meaning, since an abattoir is a place of killing, not worship. None of these three options match standard English usage or dictionary definitions of "abattoir".

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes guess based on partial resemblance between words instead of checking the exact meaning. For instance, "abattoir" sounds somewhat like "abbot", but the origins and meanings are different. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to connect technical words to mental images: when you hear "abattoir", picture a slaughterhouse with animals being processed for meat. This mental image will block the wrong choices related to priests or worship.

Final Answer:
a place where animals are slaughtered is the correct completion for the definition of "abattoir".