coat
UK: kəʊt | US: koʊt
n. a garment worn on the upper body for warmth or fashion
n. a layer covering a surface (e.g., paint, fur)
vt. to cover with a layer (e.g., "coat the cake with chocolate")
The word "coat" traces back to the Old French "cote," meaning a tunic or outer garment, which itself derived from the Latin "cottus" (a term for a military cloak). Over time, it evolved in Middle English to specifically denote an outer layer, reflecting both clothing and protective coverings. The dual meaning—garment and covering—highlights its functional expansion from clothing to broader applications like paint or animal fur.
She wore a woolen coat to stay warm in winter.
The dog's thick coat protects it from cold weather.
Apply a second coat of paint for better coverage.
He coated the chicken with breadcrumbs before frying.
A shiny coat on the table revealed its recent polish.