English Explanatory Dictionary

Silesia

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. A cultural region of Central Europe, now chiefly in Poland, with small portions in the Czech Republic and Germany, from early modernity until 1945 predominantly German-speaking with Slavic-speaking minorities (and local majorities).
noun
  1. Silesian textile made of flax or cotton.

Pronunciation

/saɪˈliːziə/ /saɪˈliːʃə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Silesia.wav /saɪˈliʒə/

Word forms

Silesia silesias

Etymology

Etymology tree Late Latin Silesialbor. English Silesia Uncertain. Two theories are prominent: a relation to the Germanic Silingi tribe, whose name is attested in Ancient Greek Σιλίγγαι (Silíngai). Or, from Old Polish ślęg, śląg meaning "dampness, humidity, moisture." More at Ślęża and Silesia.

Derived words

Czech Silesia Lower Silesia Silesian sleaze sleazy Upper Silesia
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