Paillette

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /pælˈjɛt/

Definitions

1. A small ornamental disc typically made from reflective material that is used for decoration in textiles and crafts
2. A tiny flat ornament often shiny and used to embellish clothing or accessories
3. A little reflective piece added to fabric or craft projects to create sparkle

Etymology: The French word "paillette" started as a plain description of something small and light. It comes from "paille," meaning "straw," with the diminutive suffix "-ette," so the literal sense is something like "little straw." The name fits the object: a paillette is a tiny flat disc, originally cut from thin metal or mica, that catches the light when stitched onto cloth. English borrowed the term from French, and it describes the same glinting spangle that gives costume and embroidery their sparkle. The straw in the name refers to the thin, flat shape rather than to any actual straw, so a word for a fragment of plant matter ended up naming a bit of shimmering metal.