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mattress definition

mat·tress (ma′trəs)

noun

    1. a casing of strong fabric filled with cotton, hair, foam rubber, etc., usually containing coiled springs, often quilted or tufted at intervals, and used on or as a bed
    2. an inflatable pad used in the same way
      in full air mattress
  2. a mass or mat of interwoven brushwood, poles, etc. used to protect an embankment or dike from erosion, etc.

Etymology: ME materas < OFr < It materasso < Ar maṭraḥ, place where something is thrown or laid, cushion

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

mattress Synonyms

mattress

n.

pallet, innerspring, springs, box spring, bedding, cushion, futon; see also bed 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

mattress Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • self-inflating: Add that touch of luxury to your camping experience with one of Stan's great selection of self-inflating mattresses.

Adjective modifier

  • tufted: The sofa bed easily unfolds to present a comfortable spring interior, tufted mattress.

Modifies a noun

  • topper: Thank you for our mattress topper which we've had a few weeks now.

Noun used with modifier

  • foam: There is a single foam mattress on the landing at the top of the stairs with room for a child to sleep.
mattress usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

mattress quotes

Self-pity in its early stage is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.

-Angelou, Maya originally MayaJohnson

I sat through the first act and heard my lovely lines falling like cold porridge on a damp mattress.

-Bridie,James pseudonym of  Osborne Henry Mavor

The fact is, that there was considerable difficulty in inducing Oliver to take upon himself the office of respirationöa troublesome practice, but one which custom has rendered necessary to our easy existence; and for some time he lay gasping on a little flock mattress, rather unequally poised between this world and the next: the balance being decidedly in favour of the latter. Now, if during this brief period,Oliver had been surrounded by careful grandmothers, anxious aunts, experienced nurses, and doctors of profound wisdom, he would most inevitably and indubitably have been killed in no time.

-Dickens, CharlesJohn Huffam

mattress quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"mattress." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/mattress>

APA Style

mattress. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/mattress

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