Word
madras
US/ˈmædɹəs/
UK/mədɹˈɑːs/
Definitions
01a spicy curry
n. a fairly hot and spicy curry dish, usually served in Indian restaurants.
n. a style of curry characterized by a significant level of heat and a reddish color, typically associated with British Indian restaurant cuisine.
“He ordered a chicken madras because he wanted something spicier than a korma.”
“The chef prepared a traditional beef madras, balancing the intense heat of the chillies with a hint of lemon and fresh coriander.”
British English
Usage
Often used as a countable noun to refer to the dish itself or as an uncountable noun for the style of cooking.
Teaching tip
While named after the city in India, this specific style of curry is largely a creation of British Indian restaurants and is not a traditional dish found in Chennai.
Synonyms
02a checked fabric
n. a light cotton cloth with a colorful pattern of squares or stripes.
n. a lightweight cotton fabric, typically featuring a multicolored checked or plaid pattern.
“He wore a bright madras shirt to the summer garden party.”
“The designer's spring collection featured several jackets tailored from authentic madras, emphasizing the fabric's breathable texture and vibrant checks.”
American English
Usage
Commonly used as an attributive noun before 'shirt', 'shorts', or 'fabric'.
Teaching tip
In the United States, this term is strongly associated with 'preppy' summer fashion and traditional Ivy League style.
Synonyms
Etymology
The etymology is uncertain; it may derive from Madraspattinam. See Wikipedia for several possible etymologies.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.