Floorcovering

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A material or product used to cover the floor surface to enhance aesthetics and provide comfort
2. An assortment of items that coat or clad the ground level of a space for protection and decor purposes
3. A type of finish applied to the base of a room to improve durability and appearance while offering insulation

Etymology: "Floorcovering" is a plain compound: "floor" joined to "covering," with nothing hidden in either part. "Floor" comes from Old English "flor," meaning the level surface of a room or the ground, and it has been used this way since the earliest English. "Covering," from the verb "cover," describes anything that is spread over or wrapped around something else, from a blanket to a lid. Put together, the sense is literal: a layer laid over the floor. The word describes the whole category of such layers, from carpet and tile to vinyl and wood, rather than any one material. Its meaning therefore depends on what the floor is for, namely walking on, sitting on, and being seen, which is why the term can cover both practical wear protection and decorative finish.

Synonyms: carpet, rug, mat, linoleum, tile