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Gossamer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gossamer

[หˆษกษ’sษ™mษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

delicate material

Gossamer refers to a very light, thin, and delicate material, often used to describe fabric or a cobweb. It is characterized by its sheer and airy quality, resembling a fine film or thread. Gossamer can also symbolize fragility and ethereal beauty.

Synonyms

airy, delicate, fine.

Examples of usage

  • The ballerina's costume was made of gossamer fabric, creating a graceful and ethereal look on stage.
  • The morning dew clung to the gossamer threads of the spider's web, shimmering in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Adjective

light and delicate

Gossamer can also be used as an adjective to describe something as light, delicate, and insubstantial. It conveys a sense of fragility and transparency, often associated with ethereal beauty and elegance.

Synonyms

delicate, ethereal, translucent.

Examples of usage

  • Her gossamer wings allowed her to fly effortlessly through the air.
  • The moon cast a gossamer glow over the tranquil lake, creating a magical atmosphere.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'gossamer' often represents something fleeting or ethereal, such as love or dreams, highlighting fragility and beauty.
  • Shakespeare used the term in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', symbolizing the delicate nature of fairy-like beings and the whimsical world.

Science

  • Gossamer is not just a fabric; it refers to fine filaments produced by spiders and can be found in nature, showcasing the incredible artistry of these creatures.
  • Research shows gossamer silk has remarkable strength and flexibility, inspiring advancements in materials science for creating lightweight, resilient products.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, characters often wear gossamer-like costumes to portray magic and grace, enchanting audiences with their whimsical designs.
  • Gossamer is a character from the Looney Tunes universe, a lovable, fuzzy monster who epitomizes fun and light-heartedness in animation.

Art

  • Gossamer has inspired many artists, appearing in paintings and installations that focus on themes of lightness, fragility, and the ephemeral qualities of life.
  • The use of gossamer fabric in fashion design can create ethereal silhouettes that seem to float, captivating viewers with the illusion of weightlessness.

Origin of 'gossamer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gossamer' comes from Middle English, derived from 'goss' (goose) and 'somer' (summer), originally referring to the fine, silky threads seen in the summer.
  • Related to the Old English word 'gลs', which means 'goose', indicating a connection to the fluffy down of young geese.

The word 'gossamer' originated from Middle English 'gosmere,' which combines 'goose' (referring to down feathers) and 'meri' (meaning boundary or limit). Originally, it referred to fine, filmy cobwebs spun by small spiders, resembling down feathers. Over time, the term expanded to encompass any delicate, sheer material or object with a fine texture, reflecting the ethereal and fragile nature of gossamer.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,820, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.