Zátka

Zátka is a Czech word that translates to "stopper" or "cork" in English. It refers to a device used to seal an opening, typically in a container like a bottle, jar, or pipe. Zátky can be made from a variety of materials, including cork, rubber, plastic, metal, or wood. The specific material and design of a zátka are often determined by its intended use and the substance it is meant to contain.

In the context of beverages, a zátka most commonly refers to the stopper used to seal bottles of wine, beer, or spirits. Traditional wine corks are made from the bark of the cork oak tree, prized for its elasticity and ability to create an airtight seal. Other types of stoppers for alcoholic beverages might include screw caps or synthetic corks. For jars and preserves, zátky are often made of metal with a rubber seal or are simple screw-on lids.

Beyond food and drink, zátky are also found in industrial and plumbing applications. These can range from simple rubber plugs used to prevent leaks in pipes to more complex mechanical stoppers designed to withstand high pressure. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something that blocks or impedes progress, similar to a bottleneck.