Waxcloths

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of fabric that has been coated with wax to provide resistance to water and stains
2. Often used for protective coverings or tablecloths due to its durability and ease of cleaning
3. This material is commonly utilized in household items for its practical functionality and aesthetic appeal

Etymology: "Waxcloths" is the plural of "waxcloth," a compound of the two plain English words "wax" and "cloth." The pairing describes the object directly: cloth that has been treated with wax so that water and stains bead up on its surface instead of soaking in. Because the parts are so transparent, the term needs little unpacking, and its history is essentially the history of the two words it joins.