clapet

valve, flap

noun klah-PAY Rare

Also means

mouth (slang)

Usage Note

Clapet technically refers to a one-way valve or flap in mechanics and plumbing. In colloquial French, ferme ton clapet means 'shut your mouth' (literally 'close your valve'). The mechanical sense is neutral, while the figurative sense is familiar and dismissive.

Examples

"Le clapet de la pompe empêche le reflux de l'eau."

Natural Translation

The valve on the pump prevents water from flowing back.

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