stool
UK: stuːl | US: stuːl
n. a seat without a back or arms, typically resting on three or four legs
n. (medical) feces; waste matter discharged from the bowels
n. (historical) a term for a throne or ceremonial chair in early English contexts
The word "stool" originates from Old English stōl, meaning "seat" or "throne," derived from Proto-Germanic stōlaz. Over time, its meaning expanded to include simple backless seats and, in medical contexts, fecal matter (likely via the idea of a "discharge" or "what is expelled"). The dual meaning reflects the word's evolution from a general term for a seat to specialized uses.
She perched on a wooden stool at the kitchen counter.
The doctor asked for a stool sample to test for infections.
In medieval times, a stool symbolized authority in some cultures.
The bar had high stools lined up along the counter.
The toddler climbed onto the stool to reach the sink.