satin
/ˈsatɪn
/noun [mass noun]
1A smooth, glossy fabric, usually of silk, produced by a weave in which the threads of the warp are caught and looped by the weft only at certain intervals: [as modifier]: a blue satin dress...
- Acres of silk, satin, bamboo and quilted fabrics combined to create an opulent Oriental collection.
- Her dress was deep blue satin, high waisted and plainly cut, the bosom moderately low; her long gloves were white kid.
- Her dress, made from satin of the deepest blue, was tied at the back of her neck, leaving her shoulders and back bare.
1.1 [as modifier] Denoting or having a surface or finish resembling satin, produced on metal or other material: an aluminium alloy with a black satin finish
verb (satins, satining, satined) [with object]
Give a smooth, glossy surface to: it has been very carefully satined and waxed...
- The classic range of industrial light fittings has recently been developed to include a range of finely satined opal diffusers.
adjective
Smooth like satin: a luxurious satin look...
- I heard it when I saw Chloe's face and that smooth, satin body.
- Once this is accomplished, you should have a beautiful smooth, satin sheen.
- I remember a drop of moisture sliding down a satin twig.
Derivatives
satinize
- The range includes good updated basics, like needle-cord skirts and jeans-cut trousers with easy waists, T-shirts with decorated necklines, satinised ruffle-front blouses, smart shirts with double cuffs and chic pea jackets.
- The first half feels like the end of the world: a procession of motorcycle helmet-wearing models wearing the darkest black, satinised cotton and leather, walking to the growl of doom-laden bass.
- For her entry, Stephanie's daywear outfit was a mint green short tailored jacket and flared matching skirt in satinised cotton trimmed with cream Petersham ribbon.
satiny
/ adjective ...- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, with a wooden spoon, an electric mixer, or a food processor until the dough is smooth and satiny.
- I kicked my satiny white slippers across the room and flung myself face-down on my bed.
- Thankfully, the flowers are lemon-scented and the dramatic red fruits contain satiny blue-black seeds that are edible raw or roasted and taste like peanuts.
Synonyms
smooth, shiny, glossy, shining, gleaming, lustrous, sleek, silky, sheeny;
polished, patinated;
slippery, glassy
rare nitid
Origin
Late Middle English: via Old French from Arabic zaytūnī 'of Tsinkiang', a town in China.
The word satin came via Old French from Arabic zaytūnī ‘of Tsinkiang’ which refers to a town in China. In the past satin was a silk fabric and China the main and at one time only source of silk. Late 19th-century sateen is an alteration of satin, on the pattern of velveteen. See also silk