caoutchouc

rubber

noun kah-oo-CHOO Rare

Origin: Quechua kauchuk (weeping wood)

Also means

rubber tree

Usage Note

Caoutchouc is the standard French word for rubber (the material). The final -c is silent. It comes from a Quechua word brought back from South America. Un caoutchouc can also refer to a rubber eraser or a raincoat in older usage. The adjective caoutchouteux (rubbery) exists but is uncommon.

Examples

"Les pneus sont faits en caoutchouc."

Natural Translation

Tires are made of rubber.

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