faucet
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the handle or device you turn to get water in a sink or bathtub.
a valve or device for controlling the release of a liquid from a pipe or container, typically in a domestic plumbing context.
Simple“The kitchen faucet is leaking, so we need to call a plumber to fix it.”
In context“The designer selected a brushed-nickel faucet to complement the minimalist aesthetic of the modern bathroom renovation.”
UsageCommonly used in the US and Canada; speakers in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand almost exclusively use 'tap'.
Teacher's tipWhile 'tap' is understood globally, 'faucet' is the standard term in North American English for indoor plumbing fixtures.
Synonymstapspigot - 02 C1 Advanced
a system in a video game that adds new money or items into the game world.
a mechanism within a game economy that introduces new currency or resources to players, often used to balance economic sinks.
Simple“The developers added a daily quest as a new faucet for gold.”
In context“To prevent hyperinflation, the game designers must carefully balance every new currency faucet with effective gold sinks.”
UsageUsed specifically in game design and cryptocurrency contexts.
From Middle English faucet, fawcett, from Old French fausset, of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Late Latin falsāre (“to falsify”) or from a diminutive of Latin faux, faucēs (“throat”). Alternatively, from Old Norse foss, fors (“waterfall”); if so, cognate with English force, foss.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.