duct tape

Definition

A generally gray waterproof adhesive tape used for many purposes and easy to cut with the hands.

Etymology

Probably a corruption or eggcorn of earlier duck tape (“thick, canvas-like tape”), resulting from the relative obscurity of the term duck (“a strong, durable, tightly woven fabric; canvas”), reinforced by the use of the tape in joining together heating and air conditioning duct work. See also the etymology at duck tape.

Example Sentences

• "I used duct tape to cover the hole in a leaky pipe."