cork-leg
Definition
- Noun:
- A prosthetic leg, especially one made of or resembling cork. Historically, cork was used as a lightweight material for artificial limbs.
Usage Examples
- (A prosthetic leg made of cork.)
- (An artificial limb that made a distinctive sound.)
Advanced Usage
"to have a cork-leg": to possess or use a prosthetic leg made of cork.
- Despite having a cork-leg, she learned to dance beautifully. (She adapted well to her artificial limb.)
"walking on a cork-leg": moving with the aid of such a prosthetic.
- He was walking on a cork-leg after the surgery. (He was using a cork prosthetic to move.)
Variants and Related Words
Cork (n): the lightweight, buoyant bark of the cork oak tree, used in various products.
- The bottle stopper is made of cork. (A natural material used for seals.)
Leg (n): a limb used for walking or standing.
- She broke her leg during the game. (A part of the body.)
Synonyms
- Artificial leg: a prosthetic replacement for a human leg.
- Prosthesis: an artificial body part, typically a limb.
- Peg leg: a simple wooden artificial leg (often considered informal or old-fashioned).
Related Idioms
"To have a cork-leg and a wooden heart": (rare, informal) an expression meaning someone is both physically impaired and emotionally cold.
- He was a bitter man with a cork-leg and a wooden heart. (He was both disabled and unfeeling.)
"To be as light as cork": to be very light in weight.
- The cork-leg was as light as cork, making it easy to wear. (The prosthetic was not heavy.)
Note on Usage
The term "cork-leg" is largely historical, referring to prosthetics from the 18th and 19th centuries when cork was a common material. It is rarely used in modern medical contexts, where "prosthetic leg" or "artificial limb" is preferred.