How Do You Spell CAUL?

Pronunciation: [kˈɔːl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "caul" may seem confusing at first glance. However, its pronunciation gives us an insight into why it is spelled the way it is. IPA phonetic transcription reveals that "caul" is pronounced /kɔːl/. This indicates that the first syllable "ca" is pronounced with an open "o" sound like in "pot," while the second syllable "ul" is pronounced with a long "u" sound like in "rule." Therefore, the spelling of "caul" is justified given its phonetic pronunciation.

CAUL Meaning and Definition

  1. A caul, also referred to as a "veil," is a rare anatomical phenomenon in which a part of the embryonic membrane called the amnion remains intact and covers the head or face of a newborn. This thin, filmy covering is translucent and appears as a veil or a net-like structure. The caul is typically attached to the newborn around the head region, although in some instances, it may extend to other parts of the body.

    Traditionally, caul births were considered to be special and significant, believed to be associated with good luck, protection, and supernatural powers. In folkloric and superstitious beliefs, cauls were often associated with fortune-telling or psychic abilities. They were thought to bring luck in endeavors such as fishing or finding buried treasures.

    Historically, cauls were often preserved as important family heirlooms or religious relics, and were even used for medicinal and mystical purposes. However, with advances in medical knowledge and the decline of superstitious beliefs, cauls are now primarily seen as a medical curiosity rather than a supernatural phenomenon.

    Although rare, cauls can be encountered at birth, prompting the attending medical professional to gently remove the membrane to ensure the newborn can breathe and function normally.

  2. 1. The amnion forming the bag of waters, sometimes delivered unruptured with the child; a piece of amnion capping the child's head when born. 2. The great omentum. 3. Any serous membrane.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A netted membrane covering the lower intestines; the membrane covering the head of a child when born; a net for enclosing the hair.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CAUL

  • caulp
  • cauol
  • caulo
  • cual
  • ccaul
  • caaul
  • cauul
  • caull
  • kaul
  • aaul
  • ciul
  • ceul
  • ccul
  • ca5l
  • caql
  • catl
  • cauh
  • c aul
  • ca ul
  • cau l

Etymology of CAUL

The word "caul" can be traced back to the Old French word "cale", which originally meant a type of cap or bonnet. It derived from the Late Latin word "kala", which also referred to a type of head-covering. Over time, the meaning of "caul" evolved to specifically denote the amniotic membrane that covers a baby's head at birth.

Idioms with the word CAUL

  • born with a caul on (one's) head The idiom "born with a caul on (one's) head" refers to someone who is believed to have exceptional abilities or powers that set them apart from others. It originated from the superstition that being born with a portion of the amniotic sac or membrane covering the head (known as a caul) was a sign of luck, protection, and special gifts. This idiom symbolizes unusual talents, intuitive abilities, or a destined future for the person it describes.

Similar spelling words for CAUL

Plural form of CAUL is CAULS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: