Definition

Noun: A bottle cork is a small, cylindrical object, traditionally made from the bark of the cork oak tree, used to seal the opening of a bottle, especially a wine bottle. Its primary function is to act as a plug, preventing air from entering and liquid from escaping, which helps preserve the contents.

Usage

The term "bottle cork" specifically refers to the stopper itself. It is typically used in the context of sealing beverages. * The sommelier removed the bottle cork with a quiet pop. * This vintage wine still has its original bottle cork. * A broken bottle cork can crumble into the wine.

Advanced Usage

• "To cork a bottle": This is the verb form, meaning to seal a bottle with a cork.
  • They will cork the bottles after fermentation is complete.
• "Corked" (adjective): Used to describe wine that has been spoiled due to a contaminated cork, giving it a musty odor and taste.
  • Unfortunately, this expensive bottle is corked.

Variants and Related Words

• Cork (noun): A more common and general term for the stopper. "Bottle cork" is often shortened to just "cork."
  • He pushed the cork back into the bottle.
• Stopper (noun): A more general term for any device used to close the opening of a container.
• Screw cap (noun): A modern, alternative bottle seal made of metal, often used instead of a cork.

Synonyms

• Stopper
• Plug
• Seal

Related Phrases

• "Pop the cork": To open a bottle, especially of champagne or sparkling wine, causing the cork to come out with a popping sound.
  • Let's pop the cork to celebrate!
• "Corkage fee": A charge levied by a restaurant for opening and serving a bottle of wine brought in by a customer.
  • The restaurant's corkage fee is $25 per bottle.

Noun

1. the plug in the mouth of a bottle (especially a wine bottle)