How Do You Spell STOPCOCK?

Pronunciation: [stˈɒpkɒk] (IPA)

Stopcock is a useful word that refers to a small valve used to regulate the flow of liquid in a pipe. Despite its common usage, the spelling of the word might leave some people confused. Phonetically, "stopcock" is pronounced as /stɒpkɒk/. The word is spelled with a "c" at the end instead of "ck" because of its Old English roots, where words with a "cc" ending were pronounced with a "k" sound. This is why the spelling differs from other similar-sounding words like "cock" and "rock".

STOPCOCK Meaning and Definition

1. A stopcock is a valve-like mechanism used to control or regulate the flow of fluids, such as liquids or gases, within a piping system. It is a vital component commonly found in various industries, including plumbing, engineering, and laboratory settings.

   Typically cylindrical in shape, a stopcock consists of a hollow handle or spindle connected to a rotating plug or valve mechanism. The plug, usually made of metal, ceramic, or plastic, has a passageway that aligns with the pipe when the valve is open and blocks the flow when it is closed. This simple yet effective design enables the user to easily start, stop, or adjust the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve.

   Stopcocks are often equipped with a handle or knob that can be turned, allowing for precise control and regulation of the fluid flow. By manipulating the handle to various positions, the user can alter the pressure, direction, or volume of the fluid depending on the specific requirements of the system.

   Common applications of stopcocks include faucets, taps, and drainage systems in plumbing, as well as scientific equipment such as Bunsen burners, chromatography systems, and distillation setups. They are indispensable in processes where fluid flow control is crucial, facilitating efficient operations and preventing unwanted leaks or spills.

   In summary, a stopcock is a mechanical valve element used to control fluid flow by rotating a plug mechanism, allowing for precise adjustment, regulation, or blockage of the fluid passing through a piping system.

Common Misspellings for STOPCOCK

• stocck
• atopcock
• ztopcock
• xtopcock
• dtopcock
• etopcock
• wtopcock
• sropcock
• sfopcock
• sgopcock
• syopcock
• s6opcock
• s5opcock
• stopcoxk
• stormock
• Stoklock
• stapcock
• stapocock
• stapcok

Etymology of STOPCOCK

The etymology of the word "stopcock" can be traced back to the Late Middle English period. It is a combination of two separate words:

1. "Stop": It originates from the Old English word "stoppian", meaning "to block or close off". This word has Germanic roots and can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "stuppōną", meaning "to block or seal".

2. "Cock": In this context, "cock" refers to a valve or tap that controls the flow of liquid or gas. This word has Old English origins and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kokkô".

When these two words, "stop" and "cock", are combined, they form "stopcock", which refers to a mechanism used to control the flow of a fluid through a pipe or channel by blocking or allowing its passage.

Similar spelling words for STOPCOCK

• stepson,
• stopgap,
• stupka.

Plural form of STOPCOCK is STOPCOCKS