calico
|cal-i-co|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈkælɪkoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˈkælɪkəʊ/
colorful fabric or cat
Etymology
Etymology Information
'calico' originates from the city of Calicut in India, where the fabric was first produced.
Historical Evolution
'calico' changed from the Portuguese word 'calicô' and eventually became the modern English word 'calico'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the fabric from Calicut, but over time it also came to describe the pattern and the type of cat.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of coarse, brightly printed cotton fabric.
She bought a dress made of calico.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a domestic cat with a coat that is typically 25% to 75% white with large orange and black patches.
The calico cat sat on the windowsill.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/23 18:54