online medical dictionary | definition of satin

A silk cloth, of a thick, close texture, and overshot woof, which has a glossy surface. "Cloths of gold and satins rich of hue." (Chaucer) Denmark satin, a kind of lasting; a stout worsted stuff, woven with a satin twill, used for women's shoes. Farmer's satin. See Farmer.

<zoology> Satin bird, an Australian bower bird. Called also satin grackle.

<botany> Satin flower, the shining flycatcher (Myiagra nitida) of Tasmania and Australia. The upper surface of the male is rich blackish green with a metallic luster. Satin stone, satin spar.

Origin: F. Satin (cf. Pg. Setim), fr. It. Setino, from seta silk, L. Saeta, seta, a thick, stiff hair, a bristle; or possibly ultimately of Chinese origin; cf. Chin. Sz-tun, sz-twan. Cf. Sateen.

(01 Mar 1998)