plug
UK[plʌɡ]US[plʌɡ]
n
an object used to connect a piece of equipment to an electricity supply, or to fill a hole
n
a small plastic or rubber object with metal pins that is used to connect a piece of electrical equipment to the main supply of electricity
v
to fill a hole with a substance or piece of material that fits tightly into it
v
to advertise a product, film, book, etc. by talking about it publicly
Etymology
The word 'plug' entered English in the early 17th century from Middle Dutch 'plugge', meaning a bung or stopper. This Dutch term is likely related to Middle Low German 'plugge' and Swedish 'plugg', all referring to a peg or stopper. The core concept of an object used to block or fill a hole has remained remarkably consistent. Over time, this literal meaning expanded metaphorically; the electrical sense developed in the late 19th century with the advent of wired power, and the promotional sense of "plugging" a product arose in the early 20th century, conceptually filling a gap in public awareness.
Analysis
The word 'plug' is a simplex word of Middle Dutch origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
She pulled the plug out of the sink.
Make sure the printer plug is firmly connected to the outlet.
He managed to plug his new book during the interview.