Gauze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฉน
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gauze

[ษกษ”หz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical supplies

A thin, transparent fabric used for medical dressings or bandages. It allows air to pass through while protecting the wound.

Synonyms

bandage, compress, dressing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gauze

A thin, lightweight, and often see-through fabric used mainly for medical purposes to cover wounds and keep them clean.

  • The nurse used gauze to cover the cut.
  • Make sure to change the gauze daily to prevent infection.
bandage

A strip of material, typically used to support, protect, or immobilize an injured part of the body or to cover wounds.

  • She wrapped a bandage around his sprained ankle.
  • He wore a bandage over the wound to keep it from getting infected.
dressing

A protective covering placed over a wound to promote healing and protect it from further harm; often involves additional materials like gauze or adhesive tape.

  • The wound required a sterile dressing to prevent infection.
  • After cleaning the cut, the nurse applied a fresh dressing.
compress

A pad of absorbent material, often moist, applied to relieve pain, reduce swelling, or draw out infection from an injured area.

  • She placed a cold compress on his forehead to reduce the fever.
  • The doctor suggested using a warm compress to ease the muscle pain.

Examples of usage

  • The nurse applied gauze to the patient's wound.
  • After the surgery, the doctor wrapped the incision with gauze.
  • She bought a roll of gauze from the pharmacy.
Context #2 | Noun

crafting

A loosely woven fabric with an open texture, often used in crafting and sewing projects.

Synonyms

mesh, netting, tulle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gauze

Typically used in medical and first aid contexts for bandaging wounds. It is a lightweight, absorbent fabric.

  • He wrapped the wound with gauze to stop the bleeding.
  • The nurse applied a piece of gauze to the cut.
mesh

Used in contexts where a strong, breathable fabric is needed, such as in sports gear, screens, or outdoor equipment. It often refers to materials with open spaces between the threads.

  • The sneakers have a mesh upper for better ventilation.
  • They installed insect mesh on the windows.
netting

Used when referring to materials designed to catch or hold something, such as fish nets, sports nets, or protective netting. It generally implies a fabric with larger holes.

  • The fisherman repaired the netting on his boat.
  • They set up netting around the garden to keep out birds.
tulle

Common in fashion and decoration, especially in wedding dresses, veils, and other fancy attire. It is a fine, delicate fabric often associated with formal wear.

  • Her wedding dress had layers of delicate tulle.
  • The curtains were made from a soft, white tulle.

Examples of usage

  • She used gauze to create a unique texture in her artwork.
  • The costume designer incorporated gauze into the costume for added detail.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Uses

  • In ancient Egypt, gauze-like materials were used in mummification processes to wrap bodies.
  • During World War I, it became a standard material for dressings due to its ease of use and availability.
  • In the 19th century, surgeons began using gauze for wound care, leading to safer medical practices.

Pop Culture

  • Gauze is often depicted in movies and TV shows as the classic bandage for heroes after battles or injuries.
  • In the fashion world, gauze is sometimes used in bohemian-style clothing, giving a light, airy appearance.
  • This material plays a role in special effects on film sets, simulating bandaged injuries for realism.

Science

  • This fabric is highly absorbent, making it useful in preventing infections by keeping wounds dry.
  • Gauze is often made from cotton or synthetic materials, allowing for different properties like strength and absorbency.
  • Researchers are even exploring ways to use modified gauze for drug delivery in wound healing.

Art

  • Artists sometimes use gauze in mixed media works to create texture and depth.
  • In certain art forms, gauze is layered to create veils, adding an ethereal effect to sculptures.
  • The softness and translucence of gauze lends itself beautifully to various textile arts and crafts.

Origin of 'gauze'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Persian word 'gฤz', which refers to a type of thin fabric.
  • It is believed that the name may also derive from the French 'gaze', referring to the similar soft fabric.
  • Historically, this fabric has been associated with medical uses dating back to ancient times.

The word 'gauze' originated from the French word 'gaze' which means 'gauze, muslin'. It was first used in the English language around the early 17th century. Gauze fabric has been used for centuries in medical practices and has evolved to become a standard material for wound care and dressings.


See also: gaze.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,389, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.