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vel·vet

(vĕlvĭt)

1. A soft fabric having a smooth, dense pile and a plain underside.

a. Something suggesting the smooth surface of velvet.

b. Smoothness; softness.

3. The soft, furry covering on the developing antlers of deer.

4. Informal

a. The winnings of a gambler.

b. A profit or gain beyond what is expected or due.

5. New England See milkshake.

[Middle English veluet, probably from Old Provençal, from Vulgar Latin *villūtittus, diminutive of *villūtus, from Latin villus, shaggy hair, nap.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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