Commode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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commode
[kษหmษสd ]
Definitions
furniture
A piece of furniture with drawers and shelves for storing linens and clothing.
Synonyms
cabinet, chest of drawers, dresser.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| commode |
Typically refers to a piece of furniture that combines storage and a seating area or sometimes an older term for a toilet.used primarily in healthcare settings for portable toilets or in antique contexts.
|
| dresser |
A furniture piece similar to a chest of drawers but often wider and can include mirrors. Typically used in bedrooms.
|
| cabinet |
Refers to a piece of furniture with shelves or drawers used for storing items, common in kitchens and bathrooms.
|
| chest of drawers |
Used to describe a tall piece of furniture with multiple drawers, commonly found in bedrooms for storing clothes.
|
Examples of usage
- The commode in the bedroom was filled with neatly folded towels.
- She placed the vase on top of the commode.
toilet
A portable chair with a hole in the seat, used as a toilet.
Synonyms
portable toilet, potty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| commode |
Also refers to a piece of furniture serving as a chest of drawers or a cabinet. This usage is less common in spoken English today.
|
| potty |
Typically used when talking to or about young children. It's an informal and child-friendly term.
|
| portable toilet |
Often used for outdoor events, construction sites, or places lacking permanent sanitary facilities. It's a more modern and technical term.
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Examples of usage
- The nurse helped the patient to the commode.
- He installed a commode in the camping tent for convenience.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In the 18th century, 'commodes' evolved to include portable toilets, particularly during times when indoor plumbing was rare.
- They became especially popular among the nobility who needed discreet bathroom options in lavish homes.
- Some commodes were ornately designed, serving as both functional and decorative furniture pieces in a room.
Pop Culture
- The term 'commode' has appeared in various television shows and movies when humorously referring to bathroom situations.
- In the 1992 movie 'The Commitments', a characterโs humorous mishap with a commode added comic relief.
- A popular sitcom, 'Friends', featured bathroom humor that often invoked images of commodes, illustrating their role in everyday life.
Science
- Modern commodes often include designs that promote sanitation and prevent the spread of germs through features like lids and seat designs.
- Some advanced models use water-saving technology, reflecting a growing concern for environmental issues.
- Research shows that using a commode can have ergonomic benefits, especially in designed positions that are more natural for human physiology.
Literature
- Classic literature often includes references to toilets and commodes to highlight the contrast between character dignity and their socially awkward moments.
- Authors like Charles Dickens used commodes to illustrate the differences in social classes during the Victorian era.
- In modern literature, the commode might symbolize freedom or restriction, depending on how characters engage with it in quotes and scenes.
Origin of 'commode'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'commode' comes from the French term meaning 'convenient' or 'suitable'.
- In the late 17th century, it referred to a type of furniture with drawers and shelves, showing its evolution into bathroom use.
- Originally, in English, it described a type of chest of drawers before it was linked to toilet use.
The word 'commode' originated from the French word 'commode', which means convenient or suitable. It was first used in English in the late 17th century to describe a piece of furniture with drawers. Over time, the term also came to refer to a portable toilet chair. The dual usage of 'commode' for furniture and toilet highlights its versatility in English language.