le couvercle
lid
Objet plat ou légèrement bombé qui sert à fermer un récipient pour le protéger ou garder son contenu à l’intérieur.
Definition & meaning
A couvercle is a removable part used to close the opening of a container, such as a pot, a saucepan, a jar, or a box. Its primary purpose is to protect the contents from the outside environment, prevent spills, or retain heat and steam during cooking.
In more technical or biological contexts, it can refer to a natural or mechanical covering that protects an aperture, such as the lid of a manhole or an operculum in anatomy.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a masculine noun (le couvercle). It is derived from the Old French word "covercle," which comes from the Latin cooperculum. This Latin term is formed from the verb cooperire, meaning "to cover completely," which is also the root of the modern French verb couvrir. The suffix "-cle" in this context denotes a tool or an instrument used to perform the action of the root verb.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- opercule (often used for a thin seal or a biological lid)
- bouchon (refers to a stopper, plug, or small cap)
- calotte (a cap-shaped cover)
- coiffe (a protective or decorative cover)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Marie pose le couvercle sur le pot.noun
Marie puts the lid on the jar.
Hier, j'ai retiré le couvercle pour sentir la soupe.noun
Yesterday, I removed the lid to smell the soup.
Les couvercles sont rangés dans le tiroir.noun
The lids are stored in the drawer.
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