This is the 5280th most frequent Dutch word.
kessel
"Kessel" is a Dutch word meaning "kettle" or "cauldron" in English.
The word 'kessel' here refers to a cooking vessel, such as a pot, used for preparing soup or other dishes.
De kessel voor de soep stond op het vuur.
The pot for the soup was on the fire.
Here, 'kessel' refers to the boiler of a steam engine, indicating a large, metallic container used to generate steam.
De kessel van de stoomlocomotief was heet.
The boiler of the steam locomotive was hot.
In this context, 'kessel' metaphorically describes a situation of being encircled, often used in military contexts.