ENGLISH
REFERENCE

faucet

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈfɔsət// UK //fˈɔːsɪt// faucet

n. the handle or device you turn to control the flow of water from a pipe. You use it to wash your hands or fill a sink.

n. a device for controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe or container. Primarily used in North American English; equivalent to 'tap' in British English.


SIMPLE

The kitchen faucet is leaking and needs to be fixed.

CONTEXTUAL

She turned the faucet to the left to get hot water for the dishes.

COMPLEX

Modern bathrooms often feature motion-activated faucets to reduce water waste and improve hygiene in public spaces.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly used in North American English; the term 'tap' is the standard equivalent in British and Australian English.

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