damask

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A type of fabric with a pattern, often used to describe the color and texture of flowers or skin.

Detailed Definition
The term 'damask' refers to a rich, patterned fabric traditionally made from silk or linen. In the poem, it is used metaphorically to describe the appearance of the beloved's cheeks, suggesting a luxurious and vibrant quality akin to that of damask flowers. This usage reflects the poetic tradition of drawing parallels between nature and human beauty.
Example
Example in poetry:
"So gloriously like damask flowers appear" from Spenser; enhanced: "So gloriously like damask flowers appear, / Blushing in morning's tender light"; Shakespearean rose: "Damask rose of her cheek"; contemporary: "Damask silks and petals blend in garden tapestries"; educational: "Damask evokes rich patterned fabric/flowers in Elizabethan poetry"; Keats: "Damask hues in autumn's farewell."
Additional Notes
The term 'damask' is used to enhance the imagery of beauty by comparing the beloved's cheeks to luxurious flowers.; Found in the poem, A Nosegay by John Reynolds
Also Known As
rich crimson silk roseate fabric damascene weave floral brocade
Skip to main content