noun
lisle
LYLE/laɪl/
Smooth, tightly twisted cotton thread or fabric made from it.
The magnifying glass reveals the smooth, tightly twisted fibers of the lisle thread.
Etymology
Lisle names the city where the thread was made. The place-name became a name for the thread and the fabric made from it.
More examples
- She uses lisle thread to mend a pair of gloves.
- The label identifies the fabric as pure lisle.
- His summer undershirts are made of lisle.
Forms
lisle
Similar words
- cotton
- Cotton names the broader material, not necessarily smooth or tightly twisted.