candlewick

American  

[kan-dl-wik] / ˈkæn dlˌwɪk /

noun

1. the wick of a candle.

2. Textiles. Also candlewicking.

   1. Also called candlewick yarn.  loosely twisted yarn, usually of cotton, used for making candlewick fabric.

   2. the process of making candlewick fabric.

   3. the design made by this process.

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adjective

1. (of a fabric) having small, short bunches of wicking tufted to form a design.

   a candlewick bedspread of unbleached muslin.

candlewick British  

/ ˈkændəlˌwɪk /

noun

1. unbleached cotton or muslin into which loops of yarn are hooked and then cut to give a tufted pattern. It is used for bedspreads, dressing gowns, etc

2. the wick of a candle

3. (modifier) being or made of candlewick fabric

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Etymology

Origin of candlewick

before 1000; Middle English candelweke, Old English candelwēoc. See candle, wick ¹

Example Sentences

From outside, the rumble of a truck and the sharp clank of a bad gearbox entered the sanctuary and lingered in the air, which smelled of charred candlewick and tarnished brass.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 1, 2015

When the candlewick burns down, a cell becomes decrepit.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2014

Behind her, a teddy bear lies on the candlewick bedspread, while downstairs her flatmate is urging their weekly appointment with Dr Finlay's Casebook.

From The Guardian • Jul. 9, 2011

The ambiguous Iris Murdoch fights back against Kar's female stereotyping, and succeeds in looking intense, lonely, beautiful and desperate, even though she is leaning on a cosy candlewick bedspread staring at a heap of manuscripts.

From The Guardian • Mar. 5, 2011

Instead, I stare at the candlewick as it flickers against the Virgin’s calm smile.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina