Commode

/kəˈmoʊd/ noun

Definition

A piece of furniture with drawers or shelves, or an old-fashioned word for a toilet seat.

Etymology

From French 'commode' (convenient, comfortable), which comes from Latin 'commodus' (suitable, fitting). The meaning evolved from a convenient piece of furniture to specifically refer to a chamber pot or toilet.

Kelly Says

The word 'commode' teaches us that the same word can mean totally different things—Victorians used it for fancy bedroom furniture, but centuries later it became polite language for a toilet, showing how words get repurposed as society changes.

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