gossamer
UK: ˈɡɒsəmə | US: ˈɡɑːsəmər
n. a fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders, seen especially in autumn
n. something extremely light, delicate, or insubstantial
adj. light, thin, and delicate
gossamer = goose<goose (bird)> + summer<summer (season)>
- goose (from Old English gōs, meaning "goose")
- summer (from Old English sumor, meaning "summer")
Etymology Origin:
The word gossamer originates from Middle English gosesomer, literally meaning "goose summer." This term referred to late autumn (St. Martin’s summer) when geese were traditionally eaten, and fine spider threads floated in the air like delicate filaments. Over time, the association shifted to the delicate cobwebs themselves, and later to anything light and airy. The connection to geese may stem from the downy quality of goose feathers or the seasonal timing of their migration.
The morning dew clung to the gossamer threads strewn across the garden.
Her dress was made of a gossamer fabric that shimmered in the sunlight.
The artist captured the gossamer wings of the dragonfly with exquisite detail.
A gossamer veil of mist hung over the lake at dawn.
The fairy’s cloak floated behind her like gossamer in the breeze.