cork
/kɔːk/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈɔrk] /kɔːrk/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈɔrk] /ˈkȯrk/ (ame, mw)
cork — noun
- corksingular
- corksplural
1. A lightweight, spongy material taken from the outer bark of a specific oak tree
A lightweight, spongy material taken from the outer bark of a specific oak tree that grows in southern Europe and northern Africa, valued for its ability to float, insulate heat, and compress; used for making items such as bottle stoppers, floor tiles, and bulletin boards.
Adina chose cork flooring for her apartment because it stays warm in winter.
collocation: cork flooring
Cork is harvested from cork oak trees every nine years without harming the tree.
passive: cork is harvested from [tree]
The noticeboard in Rania's kitchen is covered with a sheet of natural cork.
Wine corks are just one of the many products made from this lightweight bark material.
用法筆記
Uncountable when referring to the material itself (e.g., 'The floor is made of cork'). Countable when referring to individual pieces made from it, such as bottle stoppers (see sense 2). Frequently appears as a modifier in compound nouns: cork board, cork tile, cork floor.
常見錯誤
2. A small cylindrical object, traditionally made of cork bark but also made of pla
A small cylindrical object, traditionally made of cork bark but also made of plastic or other materials, that fits tightly into the neck of a bottle to seal the contents inside; most commonly associated with wine bottles.
Iker carefully twisted the cork out of the bottle of red wine.
collocation: twist/pull the cork
The cork broke apart when Ryan tried to open the old bottle.
A plastic cork can be easier to remove than a natural one.
Esme pushed the cork firmly back into the bottle to keep the drink fresh.
- stopper
broader term — fits any bottle-closing object made of any material
- bottle stopper
more explicit; commonly used for decorative or reusable stoppers
用法筆記
Countable noun. Although the traditional material is cork bark, modern stoppers made of plastic, rubber, or silicone are also commonly called corks. The phrase 'cork it!' as an informal way of telling someone to be quiet is derived from this sense.
常見錯誤
3. A county situated in the southwestern part of Ireland, known for its rugged coas
A county situated in the southwestern part of Ireland, known for its rugged coastline, dairy farming, and as the largest county in the country by land area.
Anthony spent a week driving through County Cork's green countryside last spring.
travel context: County Cork
County Cork is the largest county in Ireland by land area.
Many tourists visit County Cork for its dramatic coastline and historic castles.
Hui's family runs a small dairy farm in County Cork that produces award-winning cheese.
用法筆記
Proper noun. Always capitalised as 'County Cork'. In Irish addresses, 'Co. Cork' is the standard abbreviation. Do not confuse with Cork city, which is the urban centre within the county.
4. The second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland, serving as the main urban ce
The second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland, serving as the main urban centre and port of County Cork, situated on the River Lee near the southern coast.
Cork city has a busy harbour where ships arrive from across the Atlantic.
Cork city as a port
The university in Cork attracts students from all over the world.
Ziad stayed with a host family in Cork city during his summer language course.
Ignacio took a ferry from Cork Harbour to explore the nearby islands.
用法筆記
Proper noun. When distinguishing the city from the county, write 'Cork city' (lowercase 'c') or 'Cork City' with capitals for the administrative body. The harbour, Cork Harbour, is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
常見錯誤
cork — verb
- corkpresent simple I / you / we / they
- corks3rd person singular
- corking-ing form
- corkedpast simple
1. To seal a bottle or other container by inserting a cork or similar fitting stopp
To seal a bottle or other container by inserting a cork or similar fitting stopper into its opening, preventing the contents from spilling or going stale.
After pouring herself a glass, Reema corked the bottle and returned it to the shelf.
sequence: pour then cork
The wines at this vineyard are still corked by hand using traditional methods.
passive: corked by hand
Dario corked the bottle tightly before putting it in the fridge.
You should cork the bottle right away so the soda does not go flat.
- uncork
direct opposite — to remove the cork from a bottle
文法句型
cork + bottle/container
用法筆記
The direct opposite is 'uncork'. Frequently used in the passive voice when describing traditional wine-making processes. This verb is less common in everyday speech than phrases like 'put the cork in' or 'close with a cork'.