dentelle

lace

noun dahn-TEL Rare

Origin: Old French dent 'tooth', referring to the toothed edge of the fabric

Usage Note

Dentelle is the delicate ornamental fabric made by hand or machine; dentelle de Calais is France's most famous variety, prized worldwide in haute couture. The word shares its root with dent (tooth) because of the jagged, tooth-like pattern of early lace.

Examples

"Sa robe était ornée de dentelle."

Natural Translation

Her dress was adorned with lace.

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