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lace

lace

80 2.0
A thin decorative cloth made from threads in open patterns used on clothes
  • noun
  • /leɪs/
: encaje
  • She chose an elegant dress with intricate lace detailing along the hem.
  • lace curtains
  • white lace
  • trimmed with lace

They have the lace on the bottom and it doesn't.

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Examples

  • Their costumes are covered with old coins and trimmed with lace reminiscent of altar cloths.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The neck was plain cut, and a kerchief of white lace fluttered to the floor.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Can you pass me the lace?

  • Fine lace from west country weavers.

  • Anyway, I want real lace, not fake, down here on the neckline and on the train.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • I'm glad I tried on the lace camisole and it fitted perfectly.

  • A collar of Flemish lace covers her shoulders, and a similar lace rings her wrist.

    Academic text (1991)
  • A lace bodice was matched by lace trim around the collar and sleeves.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The bassinet had a skirt of snowy Irish lace dotted with satin ribbons of pink and blue.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The bride looked stunning in her wedding gown adorned with lace and delicate embroidery.

Synonyms

lacework
vslace
1 6.8

A delicate open pattern of threads used to decorate veils or dresses

is the general term for delicate open patterned decorative fabric
tatting
vslace
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A way of making small, pretty lace by hand with a shuttle or needle

is the general term for the resulting decorative open patterned fabric
bobbin lace
vslace
  • Specialized
1 9.1

A handmade decorative cloth made by twisting thread wound on small wooden spools around pins on a pillow

is a broader name for open patterned fabric not tied to one method
filet
vslace
  • Specialized
1 8.0

Lace made with a square net and simple patterns

is the general term for various open patterned decorative fabric types
point lace
vslace
  • Archaic
1 9.1

Delicate cloth made by sewing with small needle stitches on a paper pattern

is the general term covering many techniques of open patterned fabric
pillow lace
vslace
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Decorative cloth made by twisting and braiding thread on a cushion marked with pins

is a broader name for open patterned fabric not tied to one method
guipure
vslace
1 9.9

Made of heavy open lace with no net background

is the general term for delicate open patterned decorative fabric
Valenciennes lace
vslace
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A fine handmade lace with small flower patterns from Valenciennes in France

is the general term covering many types of delicate open patterned fabric

Compounds

4 4.1

A thin decorative cloth for a window that lets light in but hides the view

A wild plant with many thin leaves and groups of small white flowers like a carrot that grows in fields

bobbin lace
  • Specialized
1 9.1

A handmade decorative cloth made by twisting thread wound on small wooden spools around pins on a pillow

A fine handmade cloth from Brussels with small open patterns and a raised design

1 4.4

A craft that forms delicate open patterns from thread by hand

point lace
  • Archaic
1 9.1

Delicate cloth made by sewing with small needle stitches on a paper pattern

1 8.1

A small insect with a thin net pattern on its wings and body that feeds on plant leaves

pillow lace
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Decorative cloth made by twisting and braiding thread on a cushion marked with pins

1 8.2

A small bush with silvery leaves and white flowers

1 9.9

A small bush from the Canary Islands with white flowers and silvery leaves and hairy stems

Valenciennes lace
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A fine handmade lace with small flower patterns from Valenciennes in France

A climbing plant with fragrant greenish flowers often grown for decoration

A thin decorative sheet made from food ingredients to decorate cakes and desserts

9.5

A small fern with thin, finely divided leaves that grows in shady, moist places

A low plant from Central America that grows along the ground and has frilly white flowers

How Delicate

Valenciennes lace
  • Specialized
1 9.9
lace
80 2.0
netting
14 2.7

Surface Forms

lace singular
laces plural

Etymology

Lace for the delicate fabric comes from a Latin word laqueus meaning 'noose' or 'string', which gave the idea of loops and cords. Picture many small loops of thread joined together — that's why the name fits the open, decorative fabric.