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Swansdown: meaning, definitions and examples

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swansdown

 

[ ˈswɒnzˌdaʊn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of material

Swansdown is a soft, fine downy material made from the undercoating of swans and some other birds. It is traditionally used in the making of garments, such as shawls and stuffed items, due to its light weight and warmth. This material is prized for its insulating properties, making it an excellent choice for winter clothing. It has a luxurious feel that also makes it suitable for bedding and decorative purposes.

Synonyms

down, feathers, insulation

Examples of usage

  • This coat is lined with swansdown for extra warmth.
  • She chose a swansdown pillow for its softness.
  • The luxurious swansdown shawl kept her warm during the chilly evening.
  • They decorated the room with swansdown cushions.

Translations

Translations of the word "swansdown" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pena de cisne

🇮🇳 हंस के नीचे का कपड़ा

🇩🇪 Schwanenflaum

🇮🇩 bulu angsa

🇺🇦 пух лебедя

🇵🇱 puch łabędzi

🇯🇵 白鳥の羽毛

🇫🇷 duvet de cygne

🇪🇸 pluma de cisne

🇹🇷 yeni kuğu tüyü

🇰🇷 백조 솜털

🇸🇦 ريش البجع

🇨🇿 labutí peří

🇸🇰 labutí perie

🇨🇳 天鹅绒

🇸🇮 labodje perje

🇮🇸 swan niður

🇰🇿 лебедей жүн

🇬🇪 ბაყაყის ბუმბული

🇦🇿 swan tükləri

🇲🇽 pluma de cisne

Etymology

The term 'swansdown' derives from the combination of the word 'swan' and 'down.' The word 'swan' has its roots in Old English, specifically 'swan' which is related to the Proto-Germanic 'swano' and the Proto-Indo-European 'swen,' meaning 'to sound' or 'to call.' The use of swansdown as a term for soft feathers dates back to at least the 14th century when people began to recognize the superior quality of swan down compared to other feathers. 'Down' itself refers to the soft feathers found on the underbelly of birds, primarily used for insulation and comfort. This material gained popularity in Europe during the Renaissance as affluent individuals sought high-quality textiles for fashion and warmth. Its use has persisted through the centuries, associated with luxury, and remains sought after in modern textile markets.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,027, 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.