mattress
[ ma-tris ]
/ ˈmæ trɪs /
noun
a large pad for supporting the reclining body, used as or on a bed, consisting of a quilted or similarly fastened case, usually of heavy cloth, that contains hair, straw, cotton, foam rubber, etc., or a framework of metal springs.
a mat woven of brush, poles, or similar material, used to prevent erosion of the surface of dikes, jetties, embankments, dams, etc.
a layer of concrete placed on bare ground, as to provide a footing; mat.
a layer of any material used to cushion, protect, reinforce, or the like.
Origin of mattress
1250–1300; Middle English
materas < Old French < Italian
materasso < Arabic
maṭraḥ mat, cushion
Words nearby mattress
matto grosso,
mattock,
mattoid,
mattoon,
mattrass,
mattress,
mattress suture,
matty,
matulane,
matura diamond,
maturate
Example sentences from the Web for mattress
British Dictionary definitions for mattress
mattress
/ (ˈmætrɪs) /
noun
a large flat pad with a strong cover, filled with straw, foam rubber, etc, and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or as part of a bed
Also called: Dutch mattress
a woven mat of brushwood, poles, etc, used to protect an embankment, dyke, etc, from scour
a concrete or steel raft or slab used as a foundation or footing
Sometimes shortened to: mat
a network of reinforcing rods or expanded metal sheeting, used in reinforced concrete
civil engineering another name for blinding (def. 3)
Word Origin for mattress
C13: via Old French from Italian
materasso, from Arabic
almatrah place where something is thrown