Definition

1. Noun:

   • A fabric with a reversible woven pattern: A rich, lustrous fabric, typically made from silk, linen, cotton, or wool, characterized by a pattern that is woven into the cloth and visible on both sides. The pattern is often floral or geometric.
   • A type of table linen: A fine tablecloth, napkin, or other linen item made from this patterned fabric.

2. Adjective:

   • Having a woven pattern: Describing fabric or material that features the characteristic reversible woven pattern of damask.
   • Having a color reminiscent of the damask rose: A deep pink or rose-red color.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The curtains were made of a heavy, red silk damask.
  • She set the table with her best linen damask for the dinner party.

• Adjective:

  • They bought a set of damask napkins for formal occasions.
  • Her cheeks were a damask rose color from the cold wind.

Advanced Usage

• "Damask steel" (or Damascus steel): A type of steel with a distinctive wavy pattern, historically used for sword blades. While related, this is a distinct term often associated with metalwork.

  • The collector admired the intricate pattern on the ancient damask steel blade.

• "Damask rose" (Rosa × damascena): A specific, fragrant variety of rose, often with a deep pink color, from which the fabric's name and color are derived.

  • The scent of the damask rose filled the garden.

Variants and Related Words

• Damascene (verb/noun/adjective): To inlay or decorate metal with wavy patterns, especially gold or silver; or relating to the city of Damascus.
  • The artisan learned to damascene the steel with gold.
• Damasking (noun/gerund): The process or technique of weaving damask fabric.

Synonyms

• Brocade (noun): A rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, often using gold or silver thread. (Note: Brocade patterns are often raised and not necessarily reversible, unlike damask.)
• Figured fabric (noun): A general term for any fabric with a woven-in pattern.

Related Phrases

• To be damasked: To be woven or patterned like damask (less common).
  • The upholstery was damasked with an elaborate floral design.

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated directly with the word "damask." The word is primarily used in its literal sense related to fabric, color, or pattern.

Adjective

1. having a woven pattern
   • damask table linens

Noun

1. a fabric of linen or cotton or silk or wool with a reversible pattern woven into it
2. a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern