Creases

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɹiːsɪz/

Definitions

1. Folds or ridges formed in fabric or paper due to pressure | Lines or marks appearing on surfaces as a result of bending or pressing | Textured patterns that arise from compacting materials during handling or storage
2. Folds or indentations that occur in materials like fabric or paper due to bending or pressure
3. Visible lines or marks created on surfaces when they are compressed or manipulated in some manner

Etymology: The noun referring to lines or folds on a surface, especially fabric or paper, derives from the verb "crease," which entered English in the late Middle Ages. The verb itself likely emerged in the 15th century, rooted in the Old French "crecer" or "crescer," meaning "to grow" or "to increase," though this connection is somewhat uncertain. Over time, the sense shifted from a general idea of growth or swelling to the specific physical action of making folds or wrinkles. This narrowing of meaning likely arose because the act of folding or pressing fabric naturally creates raised or indented lines, resembling a kind of localized "growth" or change in texture. By the 16th century, "crease" was firmly established in English as both a verb and a noun, describing those characteristic lines on clothing and paper. The plural form, as in "creases," simply denotes multiple such folds or lines. The term remains closely tied to the tactile experience of materials, emphasizing the physical changes that result from bending or pressing. While the word’s origins may be somewhat obscure, its evolution reflects a tangible aspect of everyday life, linking an abstract idea of change or growth to a concrete physical phenomenon.

Synonyms: folds, wrinkles

Antonyms: smoothness