cleat

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe); prevents slipping
  2. noun a fastener (usually with two projecting horns) around which a rope can be secured
  3. noun a strip of wood or metal used to strengthen the surface to which it is attached

Etymology

From Middle English clete, from Old English *clēat (“block, wedge”), from Proto-West Germanic *klaut, from Proto-Germanic *klautaz (“firm lump”), from Proto-Indo-European *gelewd-, from *gley- (“to glue, stick together, form into a ball”). Cognate with Dutch kloot (“ball; testicle”) and German Kloß (“clump”). See also clay and clout.

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