Pótló

Pótló is a Hungarian term that functions as both a noun and an adjective, used to denote something that substitutes for or supplements another item. It conveys the idea of replacement, supplementation, or an available alternative when the primary item is missing, unavailable, or insufficient. The word derives from the root pótlás, meaning replacement or supplementation, and is used across various domains to indicate a substitute rather than the original.

In education, pótló appears in phrases such as pótló dolgozat and pótló óra, referring to make-up tests or catch-up lessons provided when a student could not participate in the scheduled assessment or class. In nutrition and healthcare, it describes substances or therapies intended to substitute for a deficit, for example pótló táplálék (dietary supplement) or pótló kezelés (replacement or supplementary therapy). In industry and consumer contexts, pótló can describe replacement parts or substitute devices, such as pótló alkatrész or pótló eszköz, used when the original component is unavailable or no longer functional.

The term is versatile and commonly appears in compound forms to specify the particular kind of substitution or supplement needed. While pótló broadly communicates replacement, more specialized terms, such as kiegészítő (supplementary) or helyettesítő (substitute), may be used in precise contexts to avoid ambiguity. Overall, pótló functions as a general label for anything serving as a substitute or supplement.