madras

¹ American  

[mad-ruhs, muh-dras, -drahs] / ˈmæd rəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /

noun

1. a light cotton fabric of various weaves, especially one in multicolored plaid or stripes, used for shirts, dresses, jackets, etc.

2. a thin curtain fabric of a light, gauzelike weave with figures of heavier yarns.

3. a large, brightly colored kerchief, of silk or cotton, often used for turbans.

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adjective

1. made of or resembling madras.

Madras ² American  

[muh-dras, -drahs] / məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /

noun

1. former name of Chennai

2. former name of Tamil Nadu.

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madras ¹ British  

/ ˈmædrəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑːs /

noun

1. 1. a strong fine cotton or silk fabric, usually with a woven stripe

   2. ( as modifier )

      madras cotton

2. something made of this, esp a scarf

3. a medium-hot curry

   chicken madras

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Madras ² British  

/ məˈdrɑːs, -ˈdræs /

noun

1. the former official name of Chennai

2. the former name (until 1968) for the state of Tamil Nadu

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Etymology

Origin of madras

First recorded in 1825–35; named after Madras

Explanation

Madras is a type of cotton cloth that's patterned with a colorful plaid design. If you're headed to a preppy country club, you might want to wear your favorite madras shorts. Madras is a fabric that's commonly worn during the warmest months and can be spotted in the form of golfers' pants, men's summer jackets, and women's sundresses. This distinctive cloth is named for the place it was originally made, the Indian city once called Madras, which is known today as Chennai.

Example Sentences

Spice-battered hake, triple-cooked chips in a madras salt, spiced dahl mushy peas, served with a mango and tomato ketchup and coriander and lime vinegar and a rum and pickled egg cocktail.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2023

The simplicity of a pair of clean khakis or the monstrous absurdity of a madras blazer’s multicolored patchwork construction are American heritage items.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2022

Priming for summer found some “Real” madras shorts!

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2022

Baldwin offers tips for choosing the perfect apples to bake with and shares her recipe for madras curry apple doughnut muffins.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2021

Herringbones and madras and lamb’s wool and cashmere flashed past in a blur as hands and arms rent the air in a variety of graceful gestures.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole