canvas
UK[ˈkænvəs]US[ˈkænvəs]
n
A strong, heavy cloth used for making tents, sails, bags, and as a surface for oil painting.
n
A piece of canvas used for a painting.
n
The floor of a boxing or wrestling ring.
Etymology
The story of 'canvas' is a journey from plant to fabric. Its ultimate origin is the Greek word 'kánnabis', meaning hemp. This passed into Latin as 'cannabis'. The Latin adjective 'cannapaceus' (made of hemp) evolved in Vulgar Latin and was borrowed into Old French as 'canevas', referring to the coarse cloth made from hemp. English acquired the word in the 13th century from Anglo-Norman, initially for the sturdy cloth used for sails and tents. Over time, its most prominent use for artists' painting surfaces became a primary meaning, while the original material connection to hemp faded from common knowledge.
Analysis
The word 'canvas' is a simplex loanword. It entered English from the Anglo-Norman/Old French 'canevas', which itself derived from the Latin 'cannapaceus', meaning 'made of hemp'. The Latin root is from 'cannabis' (hemp).
Examples
The artist stretched a fresh canvas over the wooden frame.
The old sail was made of heavy, weathered canvas.
The boxer was knocked down onto the canvas.