Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fur: The tightly curled, black or grey fleece of young karakul lambs from Central Asia, used in making hats, coats, and other garments.
   • A fabric imitating this fur: A woolen cloth with a curled, looped pile that resembles astrakhan fur.

Usage

• Noun (Fur):
  • Her winter coat was trimmed with luxurious astrakhan.
  • The traditional hat was made from genuine astrakhan.
• Noun (Fabric):
  • The designer used a synthetic astrakhan for the collar to create a similar look ethically.
  • This astrakhan cloth is very warm and has a distinctive texture.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The word is often used attributively (like an adjective) to describe items made from the fur or fabric.
  • He wore an astrakhan collar.
  • She admired the astrakhan trim on the vintage coat.

Variants and Related Words

• Karakul: The breed of sheep from which astrakhan fur originates. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with "astrakhan" for the fur itself.
• Persian lamb: Another name for the fur from karakul lambs, often synonymous with astrakhan.

Synonyms

• Karakul (for the fur)
• Persian lamb (for the fur)
• Curly lamb fur
• Loop-pile fabric (for the imitation material)

Notes on Different Meanings

• Geographical Term: It is important to note that "Astrakhan" (capitalized) is also the name of a city in Russia. However, the common noun "astrakhan" (lowercase) in fashion and textiles refers specifically to the fur or its imitation, as defined above.
  • We visited the historic city of Astrakhan. (Proper noun, place name)
  • The coat was lined with astrakhan. (Common noun, material)

Noun

1. a city in southwestern Russia on the delta of the Volga River
2. the fur of young lambs