Definition

Noun: - A type of corduroy fabric characterized by having prominent, broad ribs or cords. The "wale" refers to the raised, parallel lines (ribs) in the textile, and "wide" specifies that these ribs are of a larger, more noticeable width compared to standard corduroy.

Usage

This term is used specifically to describe a category of corduroy fabric. It functions as a compound noun acting as a material descriptor. - It is commonly used in the contexts of fashion, textiles, and interior design. - It is typically used attributively (before another noun) to specify the type of material.

Examples

• As a material descriptor:
  • He preferred the look and feel of wide wale corduroy for his winter trousers.
  • The sofa was upholstered in a durable wide wale fabric.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to refer to a garment made from this fabric.
  • His favorite jacket is a brown wide wale.

Variants and Related Words

• Corduroy: The general category of fabric to which wide wale belongs.
• Pinwale / Needlecord: Corduroy with very fine, narrow ribs, which is the opposite of wide wale.
• Mid-wale: Corduroy with ribs of a medium width.

Synonyms

• Broad-rib corduroy
• Large-wale corduroy

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, specific meaning related to textile manufacturing and description. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.

Noun

1. corduroy with wide ribs