Elizabethan collar
ih-liz-uh-BEE-thun KOL-er
/ɪˌlɪzəˈbiːθən ˈkɒlər/
A protective medical device shaped like a truncated cone, worn by an animal to prevent it from biting or licking at its body.
Often called an 'E-collar' or 'the cone of shame' in casual settings.
The story behind the word. The device is named after the large, stiff lace ruffs (collars) that were fashionable during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The shape of the veterinary cone closely resembles those historical garments.
Word relationships
- E-collar: The standard professional abbreviation.
- pet cone: A simple, descriptive term.
Collocations
- wear an Elizabethan collar
- plastic Elizabethan collar
- soft Elizabethan collar
Idioms & expressions
- cone of shame
Example sentences
- "The cat must wear the Elizabethan collar for ten days to ensure the stitches remain intact." Post-surgery instructions.
- "The golden retriever looked miserable in his Elizabethan collar, bumping into every doorway." Humorous observation.
Memory hook
Think of a fancy queen wearing a giant, stiff collar. The royal ruff.
When not to use
In very informal settings, 'the cone' is much more common than the full name.
Fun facts
- The first patent for an Elizabethan collar was filed in 1962 by Frank L. Johnson.
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