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tampon

stamp, pad

noun tahn-POHN Rare
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Also means

buffer, plug

Usage Note

Tampon covers several meanings depending on context: an ink-stamp or rubber stamp (tampon encreur), a cotton pad or swab (tampon de coton), or a buffer/stopper. In everyday bureaucratic French, mettre le tampon (to stamp a document) is very common.

Examples

"L'agent a mis le tampon sur le passeport."

Natural Translation

The officer stamped the passport.

Literal Translation

The officer put the stamp on the passport.

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