Meaning of "calk" in English

The term "calk" refers to a metal projection on a horse's shoe or boot designed to prevent slipping. It often provides traction on icy or slippery surfaces and can also serve as a verb, describing the process of equipping shoes or boots with such projections. The word can also mean to seal seams, such as those of a boat, using a waterproofing material to prevent leaks. This dual usage reflects both a traditional and practical approach to handling everyday tasks involving traction and sealing.

Meaning of "calk" in French

In French, "calk" (sometimes spelled "cauquer") carries similar meanings. It refers to equipping a horse's shoe or a boot with metal projections called crampons to enhance traction on slippery surfaces. Traditionally, the term is associated with preventing slips and falls. Additionally, "calk" can mean to seal or fill the seams of a boat with waterproof material to prevent leakage, paralleling the action described in English. Both uses highlight the importance of safety and waterproof sealing in practical applications.

Pronunciation of "calk" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /kɔːk/

Pronunciation Variations: In some regions, particularly in American English, "calk" might be pronounced similarly to "cock" with a slightly more subtle 'l' sound. Dialectal variations are minimal due to the specific nature of the term.

Pronunciation of "calk" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /kɔk/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, the pronunciation of "calk" remains consistent across various regions without significant variation. The emphasis is typically uniform, reflecting its straightforward usage in technical contexts.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The blacksmith decided to calk the horse's shoes before winter.
    (Le forgeron a décidé de cramponner les fers du cheval avant l'hiver.)

  2. It's important to calk the seams of the boat to prevent leaking.
    (Il est important de calfeutrer les joints du bateau pour éviter les fuites.)

  3. She learned how to calk her hiking boots for better traction.
    (Elle a appris à équiper ses bottes de randonnée de crampons pour une meilleure adhérence.)

  4. The calking of the ship's hull was essential before setting sail.
    (Le calfatage de la coque du navire était essentiel avant de prendre la mer.)

  5. After the icy rain, they needed to calk their shoes.
    (Après la pluie verglacée, ils ont dû cramponner leurs chaussures.)

  6. Calking the roof ensured it wouldn't leak during the storm.
    (Calfeutrer le toit a permis d'éviter les fuites pendant la tempête.)

  7. The worker used a tool to calk the seams tightly.
    (L'ouvrier a utilisé un outil pour calfeutrer étroitement les joints.)

  8. She felt safer after the stairs were calked for safety.
    (Elle se sentait plus en sécurité après que les escaliers aient été équipés de crampons.)

  9. The process to calk the boots was simpler than expected.
    (Le processus pour cramponner les bottes était plus simple que prévu.)

  10. The sailor demonstrated how to effectively calk a vessel.
    (Le marin a démontré comment calfater efficacement un navire.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "calk" in English

Synonyms: seal, close, waterproof, plug, fill, caulk, crampon, traction device, shoe cleat, stud.

Antonyms: open, unseal, leak, unstop, unplug.

Similar Words: fasten, reinforce, secure, attach, fix.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "calk" in French

Synonyms: calfeutrer, sceller, étanchéifier, remplir, bloquer, cranter, cramponner, étancher, obturer, boucher.

Antonyms: ouvrir, désobstruer, fuiter, déboucher, desseller.

Similar Words: attacher, renforcer, sécuriser, fixer, installer.

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