An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kork

by Friedrich Kluge

Kork, m., ‘cork,’ early ModHG. only, through the medium of Du. (kork, kurk, n., ‘corkwood, cork, stopper’) and LG. commerce, from Span. corcho, ‘corkwood, stopper,’ whence also E. cork at an early period. The ultimate source is Lat. cortex, ‘bark.’