steam-colour

A worker uses steam-colour to print a pattern onto a white cotton fabric.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A method of dyeing fabric using steam: "steam-colour" refers to a process in textile printing where colour is fixed onto fabric by the application of steam. This is a technical term used in the dyeing industry.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artisan used steam-colour to print the intricate patterns onto the silk. (The colour was applied and set using steam.)
  • Steam-colour is preferred for delicate fabrics because it prevents damage from high heat. (The dyeing method is gentle on materials.)

Advanced Usage

• "steam-colour printing": the specific technique of applying dyes that are activated by steam.
  • Steam-colour printing allows for vibrant, long-lasting designs on natural fibres. (The steam helps the dye bond with the fabric.)

Variants and Related Words

• Steam-coloured (adj): dyed or printed using the steam-colour method.

  • The steam-coloured curtains retained their rich hue after many washes. (The colour was fixed by steam.)

• Steam-dye (n): a dye that is activated by steam, often used in the steam-colour process.

  • The factory switched to steam-dyes to improve efficiency. (Dyes that require steam for fixation.)

Synonyms

• Steam-fixation: the process of using steam to set colour.
• Vapour-printing: a similar method of applying colour using steam or vapour.

Related Idioms