waxcloth
Definition
- Noun:
- Oilcloth or linoleum: "waxcloth" refers to a type of fabric or flooring material that has been treated with wax or a similar waterproofing substance, often used as a protective covering or for floor coverings like linoleum.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The kitchen floor was covered with waxcloth to make it easier to clean. (A waterproof floor covering, such as linoleum.)
- She spread a piece of waxcloth over the table to protect it from spills. (A treated fabric used as a protective tablecloth.)
Advanced Usage
"to lay waxcloth": to install or place waxcloth flooring.
- The workers laid waxcloth in the hallway for durability. (They installed linoleum flooring.)
"waxcloth table cover": a specific use of waxcloth as a tablecloth.
- The old-fashioned dining room had a waxcloth table cover with a floral pattern. (A decorative, waterproof table covering.)
Variants and Related Words
- Wax (n/v): a solid, fatty substance used to make waxcloth; also, to apply wax.
- The candle is made of wax. (The substance used in treating fabric.)
- Cloth (n): fabric or textile material.
- She bought a yard of cloth to make a dress. (The base material for waxcloth.)
- Waxed (adj): treated with wax.
- The waxed paper is waterproof. (Similar treatment to waxcloth.)
Synonyms
- Linoleum: a type of floor covering made from linseed oil and other materials, often synonymous with waxcloth.
- Oilcloth: a fabric treated with oil to make it waterproof, similar to waxcloth.
Related Idioms
- "Waxcloth smooth": describing a surface as being as smooth and polished as waxcloth.
- The dance floor was waxcloth smooth, perfect for ballroom dancing. (Extremely sleek and polished.)
Notes on Usage
- Historical context: Waxcloth was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for table coverings and flooring before modern synthetic materials became widespread. It is less common today but still used in some traditional or rustic settings.