Main Entry: cot·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈkä-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: 14th century

1 : a wedge-shaped or tapered piece used to fasten together parts of a structure
2 : cotter pin

— cot·tered \-tərd\ adjective

— cot·ter·less \-tər-ləs\ adjective