silesia

[ si-lee-zhuh, -shuh, sahy- ]

/ sɪˈli ʒə, -ʃə, saɪ- /

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noun

a lightweight, smoothly finished, twilled fabric of acetate, rayon, or cotton, for garment linings.

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Origin of silesia

First recorded in 1665–70; named after Silesia

Words nearby silesia

silent partner, silent service, silent treatment, silent vote, Silenus, silesia, Silesian, silex, silhouette, silica, silica gel

Other definitions for silesia (2 of 2)

Silesia

[ si-lee-zhuh, -shuh, sahy- ]

/ sɪˈli ʒə, -ʃə, saɪ- /

noun

a region in central Europe along both banks of the upper Oder River, mainly in SW Poland and the N Czech Republic: formerly divided between Germany (which had the largest portion), Poland, and Czechoslovakia; by provision of the Potsdam agreement 1945, the greater part of German Silesia came under Polish administration; rich deposits of coal, iron, and other minerals.

German Schlesien. Polish Śląsk. Czech Slezsko.

OTHER WORDS FROM Silesia

Si·le·sian, adjective, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use silesia in a sentence

Frederick was facing the Austrians in Silesia when orders came to Tchernitchev to lead his army home.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
On the 21st Frederick won the decisive battle of Burkersdorf, and a few weeks later was master of Silesia.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
In order to complete the great "march" between east and west, Silesia was essential.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte|William Milligan Sloane
A simultaneous attempt at revolution in Silesia was ruthlessly put down.
A History of the Nineteenth Century, Year by Year|Edwin Emerson

To be more at freedom she concluded peace with Frederick, and ceded Silesia to him, although greatly against her will.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8|Various

British Dictionary definitions for silesia (1 of 2)

silesia

/ (saɪˈliːʃɪə) /

noun

a twill-weave fabric of cotton or other fibre, used esp for pockets, linings, etc

Word Origin for silesia

C17: Latinized form of German Schlesien Silesia

British Dictionary definitions for silesia (2 of 2)

Silesia

/ (saɪˈliːʃɪə) /

noun

a region of central Europe around the upper and middle Oder valley: mostly annexed by Prussia in 1742 but became almost wholly Polish in 1945; rich coal and iron-ore depositsPolish name: Śląsk Czech name: Slezsko German name: Schlesien

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012