Antimacassar: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
antimacassar
[ หรฆntษชmษหkรฆsษr ]
household item
An antimacassar is a small cloth or cover placed on the back of a chair or sofa to prevent wear and soiling from hair oil, sweat, or other substances. Typically, they are decorative, often embroidered or patterned, and are used in homes to protect upholstery. The term itself originated in the 19th century, drawing its name from 'macassar oil', a hair product popular at the time. While originally practical, antimacassars have also become a decorative element in home design.
Synonyms
chair cover, furniture protector, sofa cover.
Examples of usage
- She placed an antimacassar on the antique armchair.
- The antimacassars matched the floral decor of the room.
- His grandmother always had antimacassars on her furniture.
- They bought new antimacassars to protect their new sofa.
Translations
Translations of the word "antimacassar" in other languages:
๐ต๐น antimacassar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคเฅเคฎเคพเคเคพเคธเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Antimakassar
๐ฎ๐ฉ antimakassar
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะฝัะธะผะฐะบะบะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ antymakassar
๐ฏ๐ต ใขใณใใใซใใตใผ
๐ซ๐ท antimacassar
๐ช๐ธ antimacassar
๐น๐ท antimakassar
๐ฐ๐ท ์ํฐ๋ง์นด์ฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูุชูู ูุงุณุงุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ antimakassar
๐ธ๐ฐ antimakassar
๐จ๐ณ ้ฒๆฑก็ฝฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ antimakassar
๐ฎ๐ธ antimakassar
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะฝัะธะผะฐะบะบะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแแแแแกแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ antimakassar
๐ฒ๐ฝ antimacassar
Etymology
The word 'antimacassar' comes from the early 19th century and combines the prefix 'anti-', meaning 'against' or 'opposite,' with 'macassar,' which refers to macassar oil used by men to groom their hair. Macassar oil was so popular that it led to the need for protection against its staining effects on furniture fabrics. As a result, cloths were designed to be placed on the backs of chairs and sofas to absorb these oils. With time, antimacassars evolved beyond their practical uses, becoming fashion statements and a staple of Victorian decor. They are often intricately designed and made from various materials, reflecting periods of style and consumer trends.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,531, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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- 41528 hazardously
- 41529 mesomorph
- 41530 contactable
- 41531 antimacassar
- 41532 comfit
- 41533 histrionically
- 41534 abseil
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