strass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / C2+Formal, Technical (Jewellery, Historical Costume, Glassmaking)
Quick answer
What does “strass” mean?
A type of high-quality leaded glass, often colourless or coloured, cut to resemble gemstones, especially diamonds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of high-quality leaded glass, often colourless or coloured, cut to resemble gemstones, especially diamonds; also called paste.
Used to describe imitation jewellery made from this material, sometimes implying a cheap or showy substitute for genuine gems. The term can also appear in specialized contexts like glassworking or theatrical costuming.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a historical or artisanal connotation, suggesting a specific, traditional craft material rather than generic 'costume jewellery'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. More likely to be encountered in historical texts, antique jewellery descriptions, or specialist workshops than in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “strass” in a Sentence
[BE] made of strass[BE] set with strass[BE] adorned with strasscut [OBJECT] from strassimitate [OBJECT] using strassVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strass” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The costume department sourced authentic Victorian strass for the film.
- Its brilliance is quite convincing for mere strass.
- He specialised in cutting and polishing strass.
American English
- The auction listing noted the earrings featured French strass, not gems.
- A single piece of finely cut strass can catch the light beautifully.
- Her collection included several pieces of antique strass.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the antique jewellery trade: 'The brooch is set with fine 19th-century strass, not diamonds.'
Academic
In art history or material culture studies: 'The development of strass in the 18th century democratised the appearance of luxury.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation. If used: 'My grandmother's tiara is just strass, but it's still beautiful.'
Technical
In glassmaking or jewellery fabrication: 'The refractive index of strass is lower than that of true diamond.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strass”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strass”
- Using 'strass' as an adjective (*a strass necklace) – it is primarily a noun. Better: 'a strass stone necklace' or 'a necklace of strass'.
- Confusing it with the brand name 'Swarovski'. Swarovski crystals are a branded modern product, while strass is a type of material.
- Pronouncing it /strɑːs/ like 'grass' with an STR-; it is /stræs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Strass' specifically refers to a high-lead glass formula developed in the 18th century. 'Rhinestone' originally referred to quartz pebbles from the Rhine River but now commonly means any glittering imitation gem, often with a foil or metallic backing. Strass is a precursor to modern rhinestones.
Yes, while classic strass is colourless to imitate diamond, the term can also apply to the same lead glass formula produced in various colours to imitate sapphires, rubies, or emeralds.
It is an eponym, named after the 18th-century Alsatian jeweller and glassmaker Georges Frédéric Strass (1701-1773), who perfected the manufacture of this imitation gem material.
As a material, it is not precious. However, antique jewellery pieces featuring high-quality, historically significant strass can have considerable value to collectors and museums, based on their age, craftsmanship, and provenance, not the intrinsic value of the glass.
A type of high-quality leaded glass, often colourless or coloured, cut to resemble gemstones, especially diamonds.
Strass is usually formal, technical (jewellery, historical costume, glassmaking) in register.
Strass: in British English it is pronounced /stræs/, and in American English it is pronounced /stræs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All that glitters is not... strass (playful adaptation)”
- “Paste and strass (implies showy imitation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
STRASS sounds like 'glass' but starts with 'str-' like 'sparkle' or 'striking'. Think: 'STRiking ASSembly of glass.'
Conceptual Metaphor
APPEARANCE IS DECEPTIVE / AFFORDABLE LUXURY. Strass represents the idea that value can be simulated, and beauty can be separated from intrinsic material worth.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of strass?