noun / verb
plug
PLUG/plˈʌɡ/
A solid piece inserted to fill or block an opening.
The solid plug fits into the matching openings in the wall outlet.
Etymology
Probably from Dutch plug, “stopper,” the word first named something inserted to close a hole. The electrical sense carries over the act of insertion: the device fits into an outlet to make a connection.
In context
The same thing happens if you plug in the heater with it turned on, right before the pins of the plug and the receptacle first make contact
More examples
- Wooden plugs hide the screw holes in the shelf.
- The plumber plugs the opening to stop the leak.
- We plugged the gap with a tightly rolled rag.
Forms
plug · plugs · plugged · plugging
Similar words
- stopper
- Usually closes a container's opening and can be removed.
- cork
- Usually seals a bottle rather than filling a general opening.