coke
UK[kəʊk]US[koʊk]
n
a solid black substance that is produced from coal and burned as a fuel
n
a common short name for the drink coca-cola
v
to convert coal into coke
Etymology
the word "coke" for the fuel originated in northern english dialects during the late middle english period. it is believed to derive from the middle english word "colk" or "coke," meaning core or residue, which itself may have roots in an old english term for the core of an apple. this semantic shift from a general "core" to the specific solid residue left after heating coal is a classic example of specialization. the later application of the name to the carbonated beverage "coca-cola" is a 20th-century proprietary trademark that became a generic term through overwhelming brand popularity.
Analysis
this word is a loanword and does not have segmentable morphemes within modern english spelling. its origin is from middle english, referring to the residue of coal.
Examples
the steel mill uses large quantities of coke in its blast furnaces.
would you like a burger with a coke and fries?
the process to coke coal involves heating it in the absence of air.