pothole

Meaning

Noun

• A shallow pit or other edged depression in a road's surface, especially when caused by erosion by weather or traffic.
• A pit formed in the bed of a turbulent stream.
• A vertical cave system, often found in limestone.
• A pit resulting from unauthorized excavation by treasure hunters or vandals.
• A hole or recess on the top of a stove into which a pot may be placed.

Related

Similar words

• giant kettle

Origin

• From dialectal pot + hole. The "cave" senses, attested since at least 1809 (as pot-hole), may be from Middle English pot, potte, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to English pit, pote, or pot. Compare Scots pott, patt.
• From pot + hole. Attested since at least 1811 (also as pot-hole), possibly continuing Middle English *pothol (attested in the plural, potholys).