ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dyer

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈdaɪɝ// UK //dˈaɪɐ// dy·er

n. a person whose job is to change the color of clothes or other materials using special liquids. They work with fabrics, yarn, or leather to give them a new, lasting color.

n. a person who colors fabrics, yarns, or other materials by soaking them in a liquid containing coloring matter. Historically associated with the textile industry and artisanal craftsmanship.


SIMPLE

The dyer used blue liquid to color the wool.

CONTEXTUAL

The local dyer specialized in using natural plant extracts to create vibrant, sustainable colors for the fashion boutique.

COMPLEX

In medieval trade guilds, the dyer held a significant position, as the ability to produce consistent, fade-resistant pigments was a highly guarded and valuable technical secret.

Usage

Often used in historical or artisanal contexts; in modern industrial settings, the term may be replaced by 'textile technician'.

Pitfall

the cloth was colored by a dierthe cloth was colored by a dyerLearners often confuse the spelling with 'dire' or 'die' (to pass away); 'dyer' specifically refers to the person who dyes fabric.

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