paramatta: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicHistorical / Technical (Textiles)
Quick answer
What does “paramatta” mean?
A fine, light-weight, plain-weave fabric, originally made of silk and wool, used for dresses and mourning attire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fine, light-weight, plain-weave fabric, originally made of silk and wool, used for dresses and mourning attire.
A specific type of light, plain-woven worsted or worsted-and-silk fabric, historically associated with women's summer dresses and mourning clothes in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term was used historically in both regions. The spelling 'paramatta' is standard; no variant is dominant. The word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical fashion, Victorian/Edwardian era, mourning wear, and lightweight summer clothing.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use, encountered only in historical or specialized contexts. No significant frequency difference between regions.
Grammar
How to Use “paramatta” in a Sentence
[fabric/made] of paramattaparamatta [noun: dress, gown, fabric]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paramatta” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The paramatta fabric was cool to the touch.
American English
- A paramatta dress was suitable for a summer funeral.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts. Historically relevant to the textile trade.
Academic
Used in historical, textile, or fashion studies when describing specific fabrics from the 19th century.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary everyday language.
Technical
A technical term in historical textiles, describing a specific weave and fiber blend.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paramatta”
- Misspelling as 'Parramatta' (the place).
- Using it as a contemporary fashion term.
- Confusing it with 'pashmina' or other lightweight shawls.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a common commercial fabric in the 21st century. It is primarily of historical interest.
No, it would sound archaic and inaccurate. Use terms like 'lightweight wool blend' or 'plain-weave fabric' instead.
Both were used for mourning. Bombazine was often silk with a worsted weft, giving a twilled texture, while paramatta was a plain weave, typically lighter in weight.
It refers to a very specific fabric from a past era. As fashion and textile production changed, the term fell out of common use.
A fine, light-weight, plain-weave fabric, originally made of silk and wool, used for dresses and mourning attire.
Paramatta is usually historical / technical (textiles) in register.
Paramatta: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpærəˈmætə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɛrəˈmætə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PARA the explorer wore a light MATTA (mat) made of fine 'paramatta' fabric in the tropical heat.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'paramatta' primarily known as?