Definition

A type of coffee maker that brews coffee by repeatedly cycling boiling water through coffee grounds using a central tube.

Example

I used my percolator to make a fresh pot of coffee this morning.

Conversation

Have you ever used a percolator to make coffee?

No, I haven't! How does it work?

It's pretty cool; it brews coffee by forcing water up a tube and back down through the grounds in the percolator.

That sounds interesting! I might need to try it sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Percolator → It is formed from "per-" (meaning through) and "colare" (meaning to strain or filter). The word describes a device that filters liquid through a substance, allowing it to pass through.

Memory Tip

Think of liquid moving 'through' ('per-') a filter ('colare') — that's how a percolator works to brew coffee.

Visually Confused Words