calque Hear it!

calque definition

calque (kalk)

noun

a borrowing by which a specialized meaning of a word or phrase in one language is transferred to another language by a literal translation of each of the individual elements (Ex.: masterpiece, from German meisterstück)

Etymology: Fr, an imitation, tracing < calquer, to trace < It calcare, to press, trample < L, to tread: see caulk

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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