sac

UK: sæk | US: sæk

Definition

  1. n. a pouch or bag-like structure in an organism (e.g., biological sacs)

  2. n. a colloquial term for a bag or sack (informal usage)

Structure
sac <bag, from Latin *saccus*>
Etymology

The word "sac" traces back to Latin saccus, meaning "bag" or "sack." It entered English via Old French sac, retaining its core meaning of a container or pouch. In biology, it refers to natural bag-like structures (e.g., amniotic sac). The informal usage as a synonym for "sack" reflects its straightforward adaptation from the original Latin root.

Examples

  1. The doctor examined the fluid-filled sac in the patient’s abdomen.

  2. Bees store honey in a wax sac within the hive.

  3. She carried her groceries in a reusable sac.

  4. The amniotic sac protects the developing fetus.

  5. He tossed the empty sac into the recycling bin.