IPA: /kɔrk/
KK: /kɔrk/
A material or object that is often used to seal bottles, made from the bark of the cork oak tree or other similar materials.
He removed the cork from the wine bottle before pouring a glass.
To seal or stop something, often a bottle, using a cork or similar object.
He decided to cork the bottle to keep the wine fresh.
Past: corked
Past Participle: corked
The word 'cork' originates from the Old French 'corke', which comes from the Latin 'cortex' (meaning bark or outer covering). It refers to the material derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, used for sealing bottles and other containers.
Think of the 'bark' ('cortex') of a tree, which is what cork is made from. This helps you remember that cork is a material that comes from the outer covering of the cork oak.