saucer

UK: ˈsɔːsə | US: ˈsɔːsər

Definition

  1. n. a small, shallow dish, typically used for holding a cup

  2. n. a shallow, circular object resembling a dish (e.g., flying saucer)

Structure
sauc <sauce>er <noun suffix indicating tool/container>
Etymology

The word "saucer" originates from the Old French saussier (sauce dish), derived from sauce (Latin salsa, meaning "salted"). Originally, it referred to a small dish for holding sauces. By the 14th century, it evolved to denote a dish placed under a cup to catch spills. The modern sense of a "flying saucer" (1947) metaphorically extends its shape to describe UFOs.

Examples

  1. She placed the teacup on its matching saucer.

  2. The waiter brought a saucer of lemon slices with the fish.

  3. Reports of a flying saucer sparked curiosity in the town.

  4. The cat lapped milk from the saucer.

  5. He absentmindedly spun the saucer on the table.