velvet

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical

n. the soft, furry skin that covers a deer's antlers while they are growing.

n. the vascular skin and fine fur covering the growing antlers of deer, which is eventually shed or rubbed off.

“The young buck was rubbing the velvet off his new antlers against a tree.”

“During the growth phase, the antlers are highly sensitive and protected by a layer of velvet that provides necessary blood flow.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having a very soft and smooth feeling, like the fabric.

adj. possessing a texture or quality reminiscent of velvet; smooth, soft, or mellow.

“The wine had a velvet texture that made it very easy to drink.”

“The singer's velvet voice captivated the audience, filling the hall with a rich and mellow tone.”

C1 · Advanced Politics Academic

adj. used to describe a political change or revolution that happens without violence.

adj. referring to a transition of power or a revolution that is carried out without violence or bloodshed.

“The country underwent a velvet revolution, changing its government peacefully.”

“Historians often cite the Velvet Divorce of Czechoslovakia as a rare example of a peaceful and orderly national separation.”

C1 · Advanced Cooking Technical

v. to coat meat in starch and oil before frying it to keep it soft.

v. to marinate raw meat in a mixture of cornstarch and egg whites or oil before briefly blanching or frying it.

“You should velvet the chicken first to make sure it stays tender in the stir-fry.”

“The chef insisted on velveting the beef to ensure the protein retained its moisture during the high-heat wok cooking process.”