bidet
UK[ˈbiːdeɪ]US[bɪˈdeɪ]
n
A low, basin-like bathroom fixture, used for washing the genital and anal areas.
Etymology
The word 'bidet' entered English in the 17th century directly from French, where it originally meant "pony" or "small horse." The connection to the bathroom fixture is metaphorical, arising from the straddling posture one assumes when using it, which was humorously compared to mounting a small horse. The French term itself is of uncertain origin, possibly from Old French bider meaning "to trot." The word's journey illustrates how a concrete object (a horse) lent its name, via a visual analogy, to a modern household fixture, with the original animal meaning becoming entirely obsolete in English usage.
Analysis
This word is a simplex loanword from French. It cannot be meaningfully segmented into productive morphemes within modern English spelling.
Examples
The hotel suite featured a luxurious marble bidet.
Installing a bidet attachment can reduce toilet paper usage.
In many European countries, a bidet is a standard bathroom fixture.