applique
UK[æˈpliːkeɪ]US[ˌæplɪˈkeɪ]
n
a decoration or piece of fabric sewn or glued onto a larger piece of material.
v
to decorate something with an applique or appliques.
Etymology
the word 'applique' entered english in the 18th century, borrowed directly from the french past participle 'appliqué', meaning 'applied' or 'put on'. it originates from the old french verb 'appliquer', which itself derives from the latin 'applicare', meaning 'to attach, join, or connect', from 'ad-' (to) and 'plicare' (to fold). the term's journey from a general latin verb for attaching to a specific french and then english term for a decorative craft illustrates a classic path of semantic narrowing, where a broad action becomes the name for a specialized artistic technique.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single unit from french.
Examples
the quilt was beautifully decorated with floral applique.
she learned how to applique intricate designs onto the fabric.
the traditional costume featured gold thread applique on the sleeves.