Diaper

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdaɪəpÉ™(ɹ)/
• US IPA: /ˈdaɪpÉš/, /ˈdaɪəpÉš/
• Rhymes: -aɪpÉ™(r)

Origin

From Old French dyapre, diaspre, from medieval Latin diaspra, diasprum from Byzantine Greek δίασπρος, from δια- ("across") + ἄσπρος ("white").

Full definition of diaper

Noun

1. A textile fabric having a diamond-shaped pattern formed by alternating directions of thread.
• 1890, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, ch. XI:The orphreys were woven in a diaper of red and gold silk, and were starred with medallions of many saints and martyrs, among whom was St. Sebastian.
2. A towel or napkin made from such fabric.
• ShakespeareLet one attend him with a silver basin, ...
  Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper.
3. (North America) An absorbent garment worn by a baby, by a young child not yet toilet trained, or by an older person who is incontinent; a nappy.
4. The diamond pattern associated with diaper textiles.
5. Surface decoration of any sort which consists of the constant repetition of one or more simple figures or units of design evenly spaced.

Synonyms

• (absorbent garment) nappy British, Australia; napkin British, archaic

Derived terms

• incontinence diaper

Verb

1. To put diapers on someone.Diapering a baby is something you have to learn fast.
2. To draw flowers or figures, as upon cloth.
• PeachamIf you diaper on folds.

Anagrams

• paired
• repaid