Definition

1. Noun:
   • A decorative hanging ornament: A tassel is a finishing feature consisting of a bundle of loose threads, cords, or other strands, bound together at one end and hanging free at the other, used as an ornament on clothing, curtains, or other items.
   • A marker in a book: Historically, a tassel was a ribbon or cord attached to the binding of a book to serve as a bookmark.
   • The male inflorescence of a corn plant: In botany, the tassel is the pollen-bearing flower cluster at the top of a stalk of corn.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Ornament):
  • The velvet cushion was adorned with a golden tassel at each corner.
  • She wore a graduation cap with a blue and white tassel.
• Noun (Botany):
  • The corn tassel releases pollen to fertilize the silks on the ears below.

Advanced Usage

• "To tassel out": (In botany) To begin to form or produce tassels.
  • The corn will tassel out in mid-summer.

Variants and Related Words

• Tasseled (adj): Adorned or decorated with tassels.
  • The tasseled curtains added elegance to the room.
• Tasseling (n): The process of forming tassels, especially in plants.
  • The tasseling stage is critical for corn pollination.

Synonyms

• Pendant: A hanging ornament.
• Fringe: An ornamental border of threads left loose or formed into tassels.

Related Phrases

• Tassel tieback: A decorative cord with tassels used to hold a curtain to the side of a window.
  • She used silk tassel tiebacks for the drapes.

Noun

1. adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end