pump

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
  2. noun the hollow muscular organ located behind the sternum and between the lungs; its rhythmic contractions move the blood through the body
  3. noun a low-cut shoe without fastenings

Etymology

From Middle English pumpe, possibly from Middle Dutch pompe (“pipe, water conduit”) or Middle Low German pumpe (“pump”), probably ultimately imitative. Compare Dutch pompen, German pumpen, and Danish pompe; also Spanish bomba (“pump”).

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