First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
mattress
noun mat·tress \ˈma-trəs\
: a cloth case that is filled with material and used as a bed
Full Definition of MATTRESS
1
a : a fabric case filled with resilient material (as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bedstead b : an inflatable airtight sack for use as a mattress
2
: a device (as of interwoven brush and poles) used to protect a shoreline, bank, or streambed from erosion
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Origin of MATTRESS
Middle English materas, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin materacium, from Arabic maṭraḥ place where something is thrown
MATTRESS Defined for Kids
mattress
noun mat·tress \ˈma-trəs\
Definition of MATTRESS for Kids
: a springy pad for use on a bed
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