nankeen

/næɳ'ki:n/ Cách viết khác : (nankin) /næn'kin/

Thân thiện

A tailor measures a length of nankeen fabric on a wooden table.

Definition

Noun: 1. A durable, yellowish cotton cloth: A strong, plain-woven fabric originally handwoven in China from a naturally yellowish-brown cotton. The term also refers to the characteristic pale yellow or buff color of this cloth. 2. (plural: nankeens) Trousers made from this fabric: Garments, typically trousers, constructed from nankeen cloth.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fabric):
  • The merchant imported bolts of fine nankeen for the tailor.
  • Her summer dress was made of lightweight nankeen.
• Noun (Color):
  • The walls were painted a soft nankeen, giving the room a warm glow.
• Noun (Garments - plural):
  • In the 18th century, gentlemen often wore nankeens.
  • His nankeens were durable and practical for travel.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Textile Context: The term is primarily used in historical, textile, or antique contexts to describe the specific fabric or garments from past eras. It is less common in modern everyday language.
• As a color descriptor: When used to describe color, "nankeen" evokes a specific, historical shade of yellow-tan or buff, often associated with vintage or traditional styles.

Variants and Related Words

• Nankin: An alternative, less common spelling for "nankeen".
• Nankeen cotton: Refers specifically to the variety of cotton plant () that produces the naturally colored fiber used to make the fabric.

Synonyms

• Fabric: buff cotton, yellowish cloth.
• Color: buff, ecru, oatmeal, pale tan, yellowish-brown.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using the word "nankeen". Its usage is largely literal, referring to the material or its color.)

Học thuật

Noun

1. a durable fabric formerly loomed by hand in China from natural cotton having a yellowish color