Cork Definition: Bottle Stopper Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：bottle stopper (cork)

cork 🔊

/kɔːk/

A cork is a stopper made from the bark of the cork oak tree, used to seal bottles and keep liquids fresh.

bottle stopper 🔊

➕

/ˈbɒtl ˈstɒpə/

A stopper crafted from the bark of the cork oak tree, used to seal bottles and preserve their contents by preventing air exposure.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'cortex' meaning bark, referring to the cork oak tree's outer layer.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of cork as the 'core' that seals a bottle, keeping liquids fresh and secure.

📖 Example

After pouring a glass of juice, she pushed the cork back into the bottle to save it for later. 🔊 She reinserted the cork into the juice bottle after serving a glass to preserve the remainder.

🔗 Collocations

cork oak – the tree species whose bark is harvested to produce cork material

pop the cork – to open a bottle by removing the cork, often producing a distinctive popping sound

cork stopper – a stopper specifically made from cork, commonly used for sealing bottles

🔄 Synonyms

stopper (n.) – a device used to close an opening, such as in a bottle or container

plug (n.) – an object inserted to block a hole or opening, similar to a cork

bung (n.) – a stopper for sealing casks or barrels, often made of cork or similar material

🌱 Derivatives

corked (adj.) – sealed with a cork, or describing wine that has been spoiled due to a faulty cork

corky (adj.) – having the texture, appearance, or qualities reminiscent of cork

📖 Cultural Story

Cork originates from Latin 'cortex' (bark). Harvested from cork oak trees in Mediterranean regions, it's widely used for bottle stoppers, especially in the wine industry, symbolizing preservation and tradition.