/ ˈketl; NAmE / noun
a container with a lid, handle and a spout , used for boiling water :
an electric kettle
( BrE )
I'll put the kettle on (= start boiling some water) and make some tea.
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IDIOMS
see different , pot noun
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English cetel , cietel , of Germanic origin, based on Latin catillus , diminutive of catinus deep container for cooking or serving food. In Middle English the word's form was influenced by Old Norse ketill .