olivette

A small olivette button is sewn onto the cuff of a linen shirt.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of small, olive-shaped button: "olivette" refers to a button that is shaped like a small olive, typically used on clothing for decorative or functional purposes.
   • A culinary term: In some contexts, "olivette" can also refer to a small, olive-shaped piece of food, such as a vegetable or meat cut into that shape for garnishing or serving.

Usage Examples

• Noun (button):

  • The vintage coat was fastened with elegant olivettes. (Small olive-shaped buttons were used to close the coat.)
  • She sewed an olivette onto the cuff of her blouse. (She attached a small olive-shaped button to the sleeve.)

• Noun (food):

  • The chef prepared olivettes of carrot for the salad. (Small, olive-shaped pieces of carrot were cut for the dish.)
  • Garnish the plate with olivettes of roasted potato. (Decorate the plate with small, olive-shaped potato pieces.)

Advanced Usage

• In fashion design: "olivette" is a specific term used by tailors and designers to describe a button that is elongated and tapered at both ends, resembling an olive.

  • The designer chose olivettes for the evening gown to add a subtle, elegant detail. (The designer selected olive-shaped buttons for the dress.)

• In culinary arts: "olivette" can denote a technique where ingredients are cut into small, oval shapes using a special knife or cutter called an olivette knife.

  • Using an olivette knife, the cook shaped the zucchini into tiny olivettes. (The cook cut the zucchini into small, olive-shaped pieces.)

Variants and Related Words

• Olivette knife (n): a small, curved knife used to cut vegetables or fruits into olive shapes.

  • The olivette knife is essential for making decorative garnishes. (The curved knife helps create olive-shaped cuts.)

• Olivet (n): an alternative spelling of "olivette," though less common.

  • The tailor used olivets for the jacket buttons. (The tailor used olive-shaped buttons for the jacket.)

Synonyms

• Olive-shaped button: a button with a tapered, oval form.
• Olive cut: a food item cut into an olive-like shape.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "olivette" due to its specific, technical nature.

Notes

• The word "olivette" is derived from the French word , meaning "olive," and the diminutive suffix , indicating a small version of something. It is primarily used in specialized contexts like fashion and cooking.