madras

[ mad-ruh s, muh-dras, -drahs ]
/ ˈmæd rəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /

noun

a light cotton fabric of various weaves, especially one in multicolored plaid or stripes, used for shirts, dresses, jackets, etc.
a thin curtain fabric of a light, gauzelike weave with figures of heavier yarns.
a large, brightly colored kerchief, of silk or cotton, often used for turbans.

adjective

made of or resembling madras.

Origin of madras

First recorded in 1825–35; named after Madras

Words nearby madras

madman, madness, madonna, madonna and child, madonna lily, madras, madras states, madrasah, madre, madre de dios, madrepore

Definition for madras (2 of 2)

Madras
[ muh-dras, -drahs ]
/ məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑs /

noun

former name of Chennai
former name of Tamil Nadu.

Example sentences from the Web for madras

British Dictionary definitions for madras (1 of 2)

madras
/ (ˈmædrəs, məˈdræs, -ˈdrɑːs) /

noun

  1. a strong fine cotton or silk fabric, usually with a woven stripe
  2. (as modifier)madras cotton
something made of this, esp a scarf
a medium-hot curry chicken madras

Word Origin for madras

C19: by association with the Madras area

British Dictionary definitions for madras (2 of 2)

Madras
/ (məˈdrɑːs, -ˈdræs) /

noun

the former official name of Chennai
the former name (until 1968) for the state of Tamil Nadu