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Glite Dictionary
damp-proof course

damp-proof course

6.8
A layer of waterproof material in a wall near the ground that stops water rising
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : capa impermeable
  • The builder installed a damp-proof course to keep the basement free of moisture.

Examples

  • When renovating older homes, it's important to check whether a damp-proof course was used in the walls.

  • A properly laid damp-proof course can prevent long-term structural damage from rising damp.

  • The builder installed a damp-proof course to protect the house.

  • Many older homes lack a damp-proof course entirely.

  • The builder installed a damp-proof course to protect the house from moisture damage.

  • After the renovations, they decided to add a damp-proof course to ensure the basement stayed dry.

  • A proper damp-proof course is essential in regions with high humidity to prevent structural issues.

Synonyms

damp course
vsdamp-proof course
  • UK
7.9

A layer of waterproof material at the bottom of walls near the ground that stops moisture rising

is a layer in walls near ground preventing moisture rising through the structure

Surface Forms

damp-proof course singular
damp-proof courses plural

Morphology

damp-proof + course

The phrase is fully compositional: 'damp-proof' means resistant to damp (moisture) and 'course' denotes a row or layer of building material, so together they describe a layer that prevents moisture—exactly the given definition. The 'X-proof' pattern (e.g. waterproof, bulletproof) and the building sense of 'course' are common and likely familiar to B1 learners, making the meaning directly inferable from the parts.

Etymology

Damp-proof course comes from building work: it is a thin layer or course of material put into a wall to make it proof against damp. So it literally stops 'rising damp' from moving up the walls, which is why the phrase means a built-in barrier that keeps moisture out.