correction fluid
kuh-REK-shun FLOO-id
/kəˈrɛkʃən ˈfluːɪd/
An opaque, white, quick-drying liquid applied to paper to cover errors, allowing them to be written over.
Highlights its use for physical paper corrections, often seen as a last resort or for minor errors, especially before digital editing became prevalent.
The story behind the word. The term 'correction fluid' is a descriptive compound: 'correction' comes from the Latin corrigere, meaning 'to set right,' and 'fluid' comes from the Latin fluere, meaning 'to flow.' It's a 'flowing substance for correcting.' This ingenious product was invented by Bette Nesmith Graham, a secretary, in 1953, who used her kitchen blender to mix tempera paint with water to cover her typing errors. Her invention, initially called 'Mistake Out,' revolutionized office work.
Word relationships
- white-out: A widely recognized brand name that has become genericized for correction fluid.
Word family
- correct (verb): To put right (an error or fault).
- correction (noun): The act of correcting something.
Collocations
- liquid paper (brand name)
- white-out (brand name)
- apply correction fluid
- bottle of correction fluid
Example sentences
- "Before photocopying the final draft, she carefully applied correction fluid to a small typo in the report." Typing errors
- "He accidentally wrote the wrong date, so he reached for the correction fluid to fix it neatly." Handwritten notes
Memory hook
It's a FLUID that helps you make CORRECTIONS on paper. Fluid to correct.
When not to use
For digital documents (use software editing tools), for very large errors (it can look messy), or when the original text must remain visible for auditing purposes.
Fun facts
- Correction fluid was invented by Bette Nesmith Graham, a secretary, in 1953, who later founded the Liquid Paper Corporation.
- Her invention was inspired by artists who paint over their mistakes, rather than erasing them.
Explore more words
highlighter, eraser, whiteboard, concealer, spackle, retraction
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