satin
/ˈsætɪn/
noun
Origin
Arabic
Zaitun — Quanzhou (a Chinese port city)
Overview
Meaning Now
- A smooth, glossy fabric, typically made of silk, produced with a weave that results in a lustrous face and a dull back.
Language path
Arabic → Medieval Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
satyn
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The name of the fabric is derived from Zaitun, the Arabic name for the Chinese port city of Quanzhou. During the Middle Ages, Zaitun was a major trading hub and a significant center for the export of fine silks to the Western world. Over time, the name of the place became synonymous with the luxury fabric it exported.
Evolution
- 12th century
Zaitun
“A city in Fujian province, China, famous for silk production.”
Arabic name for the port city known in Chinese as Quanzhou.
- 13th century
setinus
“Silk fabric from Zaitun.”
Medieval Latin adaptation.
- 14th century
satyn
“Glossy silk fabric.”
Middle English adoption via Old French.
Connections
Word parts
satin
root
Glossy fabric
Related across languages
French
satin
Italian
setino
satin
Related words
Explore next
Related to satin
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.