chiffon

[ shi-fon, shif-on ]
/ ʃɪˈfɒn, ˈʃɪf ɒn /

noun

a sheer fabric of silk, nylon, or rayon in plain weave.
any women's dress ornament, as ribbon or lace.

adjective

(of dresses, scarves, etc.) resembling or made of chiffon.
(in cooking) having a light, frothy texture, as certain pies and cakes containing beaten egg whites.

Origin of chiffon

1755–65; < French, equivalent to chiffe rag (< Arabic shiff sheer fabric) + -on noun suffix

Example sentences from the Web for chiffon

British Dictionary definitions for chiffon

chiffon
/ (ʃɪˈfɒn, ˈʃɪfɒn) /

noun

a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc
(often plural) rare feminine finery

adjective

made of chiffon
(of soufflés, pies, cakes, etc) having a very light fluffy texture

Derived forms of chiffon

chiffony, adjective

Word Origin for chiffon

C18: from French, from chiffe rag; probably related to chip