cap

UK: kæp | US: kæp

Definition
  1. n. a type of soft, flat hat without a brim

  2. n. a protective cover or seal (e.g., bottle cap)

  3. vt. to limit or restrict something (e.g., "to cap prices")

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "cap" originates from the Latin cappa, meaning "hooded cloak" or "head covering." It entered Old English as cæppe and evolved into Middle English as cap. The term has retained its core meaning of a head covering while expanding metaphorically to describe covers or limits (e.g., "bottle cap," "salary cap"). Its simplicity and versatility explain its persistence across centuries.

Examples
  1. He wore a blue cap to shield his eyes from the sun.

  2. Twist the bottle cap to open the soda.

  3. The government decided to cap carbon emissions.

  4. She lost her favorite cap at the park.

  5. The pen has a removable cap to protect the tip.