madras
[ mad-ruhs, muh-dras, -drahs ]
/ ˈmæd rəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /
noun
a light cotton fabric of various weaves, especially one in multicolored plaid or stripes, used for shirts, dresses, jackets, etc.
a thin curtain fabric of a light, gauzelike weave with figures of heavier yarns.
a large, brightly colored kerchief, of silk or cotton, often used for turbans.
adjective
made of or resembling madras.
QUIZZES
DISCOVER THE INFLUENCE OF PORTUGUESE ON ENGLISH VIA THIS QUIZ!
We’ve gathered some interesting words donated to English from Portuguese … as well as some that just don’t translate at all. Do you know what they mean?
Question 1 of 11
Which of the following animal names traces its immediate origin to Portuguese?
Origin of madras
First recorded in 1825–35; named after Madras
Words nearby madras
mad money, madness, Madonna, Madonna and Child, Madonna lily, madras, madrasah, Madras hemp, Madras States, madre, Madre de Dios
Definition for madras (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for madras
British Dictionary definitions for madras (1 of 2)
madras
/ (ˈmædrəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑːs) /
noun
- a strong fine cotton or silk fabric, usually with a woven stripe
- (as modifier)madras cotton
something made of this, esp a scarf
a medium-hot currychicken madras
Word Origin for madras
C19: by association with the Madras area
British Dictionary definitions for madras (2 of 2)
Madras
/ (məˈdrɑːs, -ˈdræs) /
noun
the former official name of Chennai
the former name (until 1968) for the state of Tamil Nadu
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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