caulk
UK[kɔːk]US[kɑːk]
v
To fill a crack or seam with a waterproof filler to make it watertight or airtight.
n
A waterproof filler and sealant used in building work and repairs.
Etymology
The word 'caulk' entered Middle English from the Old French verb 'cauquer', meaning 'to press down, trample'. This Old French term derived from the Latin verb 'calcare', 'to tread, press down', which itself comes from 'calx', meaning 'heel'. The semantic journey is a vivid example of metaphorical extension: from the literal action of pressing down with the heel, to the specific technical action of pressing a sealing material into a seam to make it tight. The modern sense, focused exclusively on sealing joints in ships or buildings, was fully established by the 14th century, reflecting its critical role in shipbuilding.
Analysis
This word is a simplex loanword from Old French. Its core form has been borrowed as a single unit into English, and its internal Latin-derived morphemes are not transparently segmentable within the modern English spelling.
Examples
The carpenter will caulk the gaps around the window frame to prevent drafts.
A fresh bead of caulk along the bathtub edge can prevent water damage.
Before painting the boat, they had to carefully caulk all the seams between the planks.