chamois
/'ʃæmwɑ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A hoofed mammal: A type of goat-antelope native to mountainous regions of Europe and parts of Asia, characterized by its agility and distinctive backward-hooked horns.
- A type of soft leather: A soft, pliable, and absorbent leather, traditionally made from the skin of the chamois antelope but now typically made from sheepskin, goatskin, or synthetic materials.
Usage and Examples
Noun (Animal):
- We spotted a chamois grazing on the steep alpine slope.
- The chamois is well-adapted to its rugged mountain habitat.
Noun (Leather):
- He used a chamois to dry and polish the car without leaving streaks.
- This cleaning cloth is made from a synthetic chamois.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- The word "chamois" is typically used as a singular noun. The standard plural form is chamois (e.g., ), though "chamoix" is a rare, archaic variant.
- In the context of leather, it is often referred to as chamois leather or simply a chamois (e.g., ).
- The leather is prized for its ability to absorb water and polish surfaces without scratching.
Variants and Related Words
- Chammy / Shammy (noun): An informal, shortened form of "chamois," almost exclusively referring to the leather cloth.
- Clean the window with this shammy.
- Chamois-colored / Chamois (adjective): A pale yellowish-brown color, resembling the animal's coat.
- She wore a chamois-colored jacket.
Synonyms
- For the animal: Rocky Mountain goat (a different but ecologically similar species).
- For the leather: Suede (a similar soft leather, but with a napped finish), polishing cloth, drying cloth.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- None directly associated: There are no common idioms that feature the word "chamois." Its usage is primarily literal, referring to the animal or the leather product.
Noun
- hoofed mammal of mountains of Eurasia having upright horns with backward-hooked tips
- a soft suede leather formerly from the skin of the chamois antelope but now from sheepskin