devore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist/Technical (Fashion, Textiles, Arts & Crafts)
Quick answer
What does “devore” mean?
a decorative textile technique where a pattern is created by chemically burning away parts of a fabric pile, typically velvet, leaving translucent areas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a decorative textile technique where a pattern is created by chemically burning away parts of a fabric pile, typically velvet, leaving translucent areas.
Can refer to the resulting fabric itself or the process. In fashion/textiles, a design aesthetic involving selective removal of material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. The term is equally specialist in both variants.
Connotations
Associated with high-end fashion, couture, and sophisticated textile design. Implies a luxury, artistic, or crafted product.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language but established within its specialist domain.
Grammar
How to Use “devore” in a Sentence
[fabric] made of devore[garment] in devore velvetthe devore techniqueVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devore” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artisan will devore the velvet to create a floral motif.
- This section has been devored to allow light through.
American English
- They devored the cuffs of the jacket for a subtle detail.
- The fabric is treated and then devored in a bath.
adverb
British English
- The fabric was treated devore-style.
American English
- The design was executed devore-like.
adjective
British English
- She wore a stunning devore velvet top.
- The devore effect on the curtains was exquisite.
American English
- He sourced some devore fabric for the project.
- A devore scarf is a classic autumn accessory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail and textile manufacturing to describe a product category.
Academic
Found in textile history, fashion design, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used except by those interested in fashion/textiles.
Technical
Precise term in textile chemistry and fabric manipulation processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devore”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devore”
- Misspelling as 'devouré', 'devoré', or confusing with the verb 'devour'. Using it as a common adjective outside textile context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both can be sheer, lace is built up from threads, whereas devore is created by selectively removing material from an existing solid fabric, most often velvet.
Yes, but it is highly specialist. In fashion/textile contexts, one can say 'to devore fabric' meaning to apply the chemical burning-out process.
It is pronounced di-VOR-ay, with the stress on the second syllable.
It can be delicate, as the sheer areas have less structural integrity. It requires careful handling, usually dry cleaning, especially for silk-based devore.
a decorative textile technique where a pattern is created by chemically burning away parts of a fabric pile, typically velvet, leaving translucent areas.
Devore is usually specialist/technical (fashion, textiles, arts & crafts) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VELVET dress with a beautiful, SEE-THROUGH pattern. You DEVOUR the view with your eyes = DE-VORE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATTERN IS REVEALED THROUGH REMOVAL (subtraction creates form).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of 'devore' fabric?