dyke

• Nom ayant deux sens distincts : une barrière construite pour retenir l'eau ou protéger de la mer ; également un terme d'argot, souvent considéré comme offensant, pour désigner une lesbienne à l'apparence nettement masculine.

A noun with two distinct meanings: a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea; also a slang term, often considered offensive, for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine.

1. Water barrierB2formal

   A wall or embankment built to prevent flooding or to hold back water, often found near rivers or coasts.

   Digue

   • The dyke protected the farmland from the rising river.
   • Engineers reinforced the dyke after the storm.
   • The village was built behind a large dyke to keep the sea out.

   Synonymesbankbarrierdamdikeembankmentlevee

2. Slang term for a masculine lesbianC1slang

   A slang term, often considered offensive, used to describe a lesbian who displays stereotypically masculine traits or appearance.

   lesbienne masculine (terme injurieux ou familier)

   • The word 'dyke' is sometimes used as a slur against masculine lesbians.
   • Some members of the community have reclaimed the term 'dyke' as a badge of pride.
   • Using 'dyke' as an insult is considered highly offensive.

   Synonymesbutchstud

• Verbe vieilli signifiant creuser ou faire un fossé, ou entourer d'un fossé ou d'une digue pour drainer ou protéger.

An obsolete verb meaning to dig or make a ditch, or to surround with a ditch or embankment for drainage or defense.

1. Enclose with a dikeC1formal

   To build or provide with a dike or embankment to control or confine water.

   Endiguer

   • The farmers dyked the fields to prevent flooding.
   • Engineers dyked the river to protect the nearby town.
   • They dyked the marshland to create new farmland.

   Synonymesbankdamembankleveewall