ballcock en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈbɔːl.kɒk/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˈbɔl.kɒk/ (General-American)
- /ˈbɑl.kɒk/ (cot-caught-merger)
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰel-der. Proto-Germanic *balluz Old English *beall Middle English bal English ball Proto-Germanic *keukô Proto-Germanic *kukkaz Proto-West Germanic *kokk Old English cocc Middle English cok English cock English ballcock From ball + cock. First attested in 1734.
Meanings
-
An automated valve mechanism, attached to a large floating sphere, that controls the level of liquid in a cistern.
Next he examined a faint trace of talcum powder on the inner rim of the porcelain handle of the clothes cupboard. It appeared immaculate. He went into the bathroom, lifted the cover of the lavatory cistern and verified the level of the water against a small scratch on the copper ball-cock.
1953, Ian Fleming, “The Secret Agent”, in Casino Royale, London: Pan Books, published 1955, page 13:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ball cock | alternative | lexicographic | |
| ball-cock | alternative | lexicographic | |
| ballcocks | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
Synonyms
balltap · float valve · ball valve
Translations (3)
de Schwimmerventil (valve mechanism) · de Füllventil (valve mechanism) · fi uimuri (valve mechanism)