English Explanatory Dictionary

mattress

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A pad on which a person can recline and sleep, usually having an inner section of coiled springs covered with foam or other cushioning material then enclosed with cloth fabric.
  2. A form of retaining wall used to support foundations or an embankment
  3. A form of lagging, in particular for boilers.
verb
  1. To cover with a thick layer, like a mattress; to blanket.

Pronunciation

/ˈmætɹɪs/ En-us-mattress.ogg

Word forms

mattress mattresses mattressing mattressed

Etymology

From Middle English materas, from Old French, from Arabic مَطْرَح (maṭraḥ, “place where something is thrown”), from طَرَحَ (ṭaraḥa, “to throw”). Compare divan, from Persian via Turkish (both of Middle Eastern origin, due to the local custom of lying on padding on floor being foreign to Europeans).

Related words

bottom sheet futon

Derived words

air mattress crib mattress go to the mattresses mattress actress mattress cover mattress fluffer mattress itch mattresslike mattress pad mattress protector mattress topper mattressy overmattress spring mattress walking mattress wire mattress
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