Kashmira

Part of speech: noun, proper noun, adjective

Definitions

1. A specific type of fine wool that comes from a goat, known for its softness and warmth
2. A luxurious textile made from the fibers of cashmere goats, often used in clothing and accessories
3. A high-quality fabric renowned for its lightweight and insulating properties, typically associated with elegance and comfort

Etymology: Cashmere is named for a place. The word comes from Kashmir, the Himalayan valley whose Sanskrit name, "Kaśmīra," lies behind the English spelling. The fabric is not sheep's wool at all. It is the fine undercoat of goats, mainly the Changthangi goats raised on high plateaus in Ladakh and Tibet, and the wool was traditionally spun and woven in the Kashmir valley. The English form is a respelling of the place name. The word's meaning stayed tied to geography, so the cloth took its name from where it was made rather than from the animal that grew the wool.

Synonyms: Kashmir, Kashmiri region