damask

[ dam-uhsk ]

noun

1. a reversible fabric of linen, silk, cotton, or wool, woven with patterns.
2. napery of this material.
3. Metallurgy.
   1. Also called damask steel. Damascus steel.
   2. the pattern or wavy appearance peculiar to the surface of such steel.
4. the pink color of the damask rose.

adjective

1. made of or resembling damask:

   damask cloth.

2. of the pink color of the damask rose.

verb (used with object)

1. to damascene.
2. to weave or adorn with elaborate design, as damask cloth.

damask

/ ˈdæməsk /

noun

1. 1. a reversible fabric, usually silk or linen, with a pattern woven into it. It is used for table linen, curtains, etc
   2. table linen made from this
   3. ( as modifier )

      a damask tablecloth

2. See Damascus steel
   short for Damascus steel
3. the wavy markings on such steel
4. 1. the greyish-pink colour of the damask rose
   2. ( as adjective )

      damask wallpaper

verb

1. See damascene
   tr another word for damascene

Other Words From

• un·dam·asked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of damask¹

1200–50; Middle English damaske < Medieval Latin damascus, named after Damascus where fabrics were first made

Word History and Origins

Origin of damask¹

C14: from Medieval Latin damascus, from Damascus, where this fabric was originally made

Example Sentences

There are oversized chandeliers, lots of tufted red-velvet upholstery and some damask wallpaper.

From The Daily Beast

We headed for the Valley of Roses, where Damask roses have been grown for hundreds of years.

From The Daily Beast

It was monstrous that this English damask rose should fall a prey to so detestable a person as the Comte de Lussigny.

From Project Gutenberg

The table cover and napkins must be of snowy damask, the glass clear as crystal, and taste must preside over each detail.

From Project Gutenberg

Although the table-cloth and the napkins were of fine damask, the knives were of a common sort, and the forks of steel.

From Project Gutenberg

The damask was even more spotless than it had seemed through the window, and the crystal more sparkling.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet I have two footmen in handsome liveries behind my Coach, and my apartment is hung with damask.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bedding
• cloth
• lingerie