Word
satin
US/ˈsætən/
UK/sˈætɪn/
Definitions
01shiny fabric
n. a smooth, shiny cloth that feels very soft, often used for dresses or bedding.
n. a fabric woven in a way that creates a high-lustre surface and a dull reverse side, typically made from silk or synthetic fibres.
“She chose a dress made of blue satin for the wedding.”
“The interior of the vintage jewelry box was lined with quilted white satin, which had yellowed slightly with age.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the material; countable when referring to specific types or varieties.
Synonyms
02semi-gloss finish
adj. having a smooth surface with a soft, gentle shine rather than a very bright one.
adj. referring to a surface finish, particularly paint or paper, that possesses a soft sheen intermediate between matte and gloss.
“We used a satin paint for the kitchen walls because it is easy to clean.”
“The photographer preferred a satin finish for the prints to reduce glare while maintaining deep color saturation.”
Technical
Usage
Usually placed before the noun.
Teaching tip
In the context of home DIY and printing, 'satin' is a standard technical term for the level of shine.
Synonyms
03to make glossy
v. to make a surface very smooth and shiny like the fabric.
v. to treat a surface, such as paper or metal, to give it a smooth, glossy appearance resembling satin fabric.
“The machine satins the paper as it moves through the rollers.”
“The craftsman used a specialized technique to satin the silver tray, giving it a sophisticated, muted glow.”
Technical
Usage
This is a transitive verb requiring a direct object.
Teaching tip
This sense is rare outside of specific manufacturing or craft industries.
Antonyms
Etymology
From French satin, which is derived from "Zaitun", the Arabic name for the Chinese city of Quanzhou, itself derived from Arabic زَيْتُون (zaytūn, “Zayton; olive”), from phono-semantic matching from Chinese 刺桐 (MC tshjeH duwng, “coral tree”) in 刺桐城 (MC tshjeH duwng dzyeng, “coral tree town”), an old name for Quanzhou.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
white satin — Gin.