ratine

A tailor cuts a piece of ratine fabric on his worktable.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fabric: "ratine" refers to a rough, nubby, or looped textile, typically made of wool or a wool blend, characterized by a textured surface created by twisted or curled yarns. It is often used in clothing, upholstery, or decorative items.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She chose a jacket made of ratine for its unique, bumpy texture. (A woolen fabric with a rough, looped surface.)
  • The upholstery fabric was a heavy ratine, adding warmth and durability to the sofa. (A textured textile used for furniture.)

Advanced Usage

• "ratine weave": a specific weaving technique that produces the looped or nubby surface of ratine fabric.

  • The artisan demonstrated the ratine weave on the loom. (The method of creating the textured pattern.)

• "ratine yarn": the twisted or curled yarn used to create ratine fabric.

  • The sweater was knitted from ratine yarn, giving it a cozy, uneven look. (The special yarn that produces the fabric's texture.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ratteen (n): an older, alternative spelling of "ratine," referring to the same type of woolen fabric.
  • The vintage coat was made of ratteen, a popular cloth in the 19th century. (Historical term for ratine.)

Synonyms

• Nubby fabric: a textile with small, raised bumps or knots.
• Loop weave: a fabric with surface loops, like terry cloth but rougher.
• Woolen tweed: a textured wool fabric, though tweed is typically smoother than ratine.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using "ratine," as it is a specialized textile term. However, in fashion contexts, one might say: "a ratine finish" to describe a deliberately rough or textured surface.
  • The artist's painting had a ratine finish, mimicking the fabric's unevenness. (A rough, tactile quality.)

Phrasal Verbs

• There are no phrasal verbs associated with "ratine," as it is a noun referring to a specific material.