diaper
UK: ˈdaɪəpə | US: ˈdaɪəpər
n. a piece of absorbent material wrapped around a baby’s bottom
n. (archaic) a decorative pattern of repeated geometric shapes, often in textiles
The word "diaper" originates from the Old French diapre, meaning "ornamental cloth," derived from Medieval Latin diasprum, which itself came from Byzantine Greek diaspros (δίασπρος). The Greek term combines dia- (through, across) and aspros (white), referring to white cloth with intricate patterns. Over time, the meaning shifted from decorative fabric to its modern sense of absorbent infant garment, likely due to the similar checkered or diamond patterns found on early cloth diapers.
The baby cried until her wet diaper was changed.
Medieval tablecloths often featured elaborate diaper patterns.
Modern disposable diapers are highly absorbent.
She folded the clean diaper neatly before putting it on the shelf.
The quilt had a traditional diaper design in blue and white.