Definition

A thin, loosely woven fabric that is often used in medical dressings or for making clothing and curtains.

Example

The doctor applied gauze to the wound to protect it from infection.

Conversation

I just bought some new curtains for my living room.

Oh really? What material are they made from?

They're made of gauze, so they're light and airy.

That sounds perfect for letting in natural light!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gauze originates from the French word 'gaze', which refers to a thin, transparent fabric. The term is believed to derive from the Arabic 'qazz', meaning silk or cotton, indicating its lightweight and delicate nature. Thus, gauze refers to a light, sheer fabric often used in medical and fashion contexts.

Memory Tip

Think of the French word 'gaze' for a thin fabric, and remember that gauze is a light, transparent material often used for dressing wounds.

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