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gossamer

Gossamer (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈɡɒsəmə/

What does gossamer mean?

Adelicate and lightweight fabric that is often used for clothing or decoration.
"The light breeze made the gossamer curtains dance and sway."

Detailed Meaning of Gossamer

It is typically made from fine threads of silk, nylon, or other synthetic fibers. Gossamer is known for its sheer and translucent appearance, which gives it a delicate and ethereal quality. The fabric is often used for formal wear, such as bridal veils, as well as for curtains, drapes, and other decorative items. Because of its lightweight and delicate nature, gossamer can be easily torn or damaged, and requires special care when washing or handling. The term "gossamer" is also used more broadly to describe anything that is delicate, light, or insubstantial, such as a gossamer thread of spider silk or a gossamer film of mist on a summer morning.

Example Sentences for Gossamer

1. She wore a gossamer gown that flowed like a dream.
2. The ballet dancer's costume was made of gossamer.
3. The curtains let in gossamer rays of morning sunlight.
4. Her veil was a gossamer cloud of delicate lace.
5. The butterfly's wings were as gossamer as a whisper.
6. A gossamer scarf fluttered in the breeze.

Origin and Etymology of Gossamer

The noun 'gossamer' has its origins in Middle English, where it was used as 'gosmere' and 'gossemer,' referring to a delicate, lightweight fabric. The exact etymology of this term is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have been influenced by the word 'goose,' possibly due to the downy and soft nature of a goose's feathers, which share some qualities with the delicate material. Over time, 'gossamer' came to represent any fine and sheer fabric, often used for clothing or decorative purposes. Its etymology highlights the notion of a delicate and almost ethereal substance, emphasizing its lightness and fineness, much like the gossamer threads of a spider's web, which are delicate and barely perceptible yet strong.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun gossamer:

heavy

delicate

coarse

thick

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Gossamer

1. The spider wove a web of intricate gossamer threads.
2. The fairy's dress was spun from gossamer threads.
3. Gossamer fabric adorned the tables at the elegant banquet.
4. The moonlight cast a gossamer glow over the lake.
5. The morning dew clung to the gossamer grass.
6. A gossamer shawl provided warmth on cool evenings.
7. Gossamer drapes framed the picturesque view.
8. The gown's gossamer layers gave it an ethereal quality.
9. She wrapped herself in a gossamer cocoon of blankets.
10. The meadow was covered in gossamer spiderwebs.
11. Gossamer wings allowed the dragonfly to dance in the air.
12. The garden was transformed into a gossamer wonderland.
13. The bride's bouquet was tied with a gossamer ribbon.
14. The evening sky was painted with gossamer hues.
15. The bride's veil was made from layers of delicate gossamer fabric.
16. The butterfly's wings were so thin and delicate they looked like gossamer.
17. The spider spun a gossamer thread to catch its prey.
18. The ballerina's tutu was made from layers of gossamer fabric.
19. The gossamer scarf fluttered in the wind like a delicate butterfly.
20. The artist used gossamer-like brushstrokes to create a sense of lightness and delicacy in the painting.
21. The fairy's dress was made from a gossamer-like material that seemed to glow in the moonlight.
22. The sunlight filtering through the gossamer curtains created a warm and inviting glow in the room.
23. The morning mist clung to the trees like a gossamer veil.
24. The intricate embroidery on the gown was so fine it looked like gossamer thread.
25. The artist used gossamer fabric to create a delicate and ethereal sculpture.