seta

silk

noun SEH-tah Rare

Origin: From Latin saeta (bristle, animal hair); later applied to silk thread by its texture.

Usage Note

Seta is feminine and refers to the luxury textile. Di seta ('made of silk') is the standard attributive construction — una cravatta di seta ('a silk tie'). The phrase avere la pelle di seta ('to have silk skin') is a common compliment. Do not confuse seta (silk) with sete (thirst), which is phonetically very close.

Examples

"Porta una camicetta di seta bianca."

Natural Translation

She is wearing a white silk blouse.

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