Definition

Very light and delicate, often used to describe something that is thin and almost transparent.

Example

The gossamer fabric floated gently in the breeze.

Conversation

Did you see that gossamer dress she wore at the party?

Yeah, it looked so light and delicate, just perfect for summer.

I love how the fabric flows; it gives off such a gossamer vibe.

Absolutely! I wish I could pull off something like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A very light and delicate material, often like a fine web or a sheer fabric.

Example

The morning dew glistened on the gossamer threads of the spider's web.

Conversation

Did you see that gossamer floating through the air this morning?

Yeah, it looked so delicate and beautiful!

I love how it catches the light when it moves.

Root Explanation

Gossamer originates from the Middle English 'gossamer' (meaning a fine, filmy substance), which is derived from the Old English 'gōs' (meaning goose) and 'sæmere' (meaning summer). The term originally referred to the fine, delicate threads spun by spiders that are often seen in the autumn, when they are most visible, and it was thought that these threads were associated with geese during the summer months.

Memory Tip

Imagine delicate threads spun by spiders that appear in the summer, connecting the word 'gossamer' to its roots of 'goose' and 'summer'.

Visually Confused Words