goutte

drop

noun GOOT Less Common

Usage Note

Goutte is used for a drop of liquid but also names the medical condition gout (the same word, because gout was once thought caused by drops of corrupt humour). C'est la goutte qui fait déborder le vase ('the drop that makes the vase overflow') is the French equivalent of 'the last straw'. Goutte à goutte means 'drop by drop'.

Examples

"Quelques gouttes de citron suffisent."

Natural Translation

A few drops of lemon are enough.

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