brilliantine

[ bril-yuhn-teen ]

noun

1. an oily preparation used to make the hair lustrous.
2. a dress fabric resembling alpaca.

brilliantine

/ ˈbrɪljənˌtiːn /

noun

1. a perfumed oil used to make the hair smooth and shiny
2. a glossy fabric made of mohair and cotton

Other Words From

• brillian·tined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brilliantine¹

1870–75, Americanism; < French brillantine. See brilliant, -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of brilliantine¹

C19: from French, from brillant shining

Example Sentences

The head still smells of essence—honey and flowers at Hatts, brilliantine at Martyrs.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Lem's consciousness of the trail on her black brilliantine suddenly failed to support her company manner.

From Project Gutenberg

The brilliantine and mohair do not feel as soft as the wool serges or cashmeres, but rather more wiry.

From Project Gutenberg

Here are three samples: one called brilliantine; and another, alpaca; the third, mohair.

From Project Gutenberg

There should be about this individual a general atmosphere of brilliantine, clothes and jewelry.

From Project Gutenberg