 |
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Mattress \Mat"tress\, noun [OF. materas, F. matelas, LL. matratium; cf. Sp. & Pg. almadraque, Pr. almatrac; all from Ar. ma[.t]rah a place where anything is thrown, what is thrown under something, fr. [.t]araha to throw.]
1. A large pad stuffed with hair, moss, or other suitable soft material, and quilted or otherwise fastened, used as or in a bed, to support the human body while lying down. [Written also {matress}.]
2. (Hydraulic Engin.) A mass of interwoven brush, poles, etc., to protect a bank from being worn away by currents or waves.
{innerspring mattress} A variety of mattress[1] having springs inside to provide a flexible support; it is considered more comfortable than a stuffed mattress. [PJC]
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
mattress
noun: a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
 |
Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |