ikat
UK[ˈiːkat]US[ˈiːkɑːt]
n
A method of dyeing yarns before weaving, where sections are tightly bound to resist the dye, creating a patterned fabric.
n
Fabric made using this technique.
Etymology
The word 'ikat' entered the English lexicon in the 20th century as a direct borrowing from Malay and Indonesian, where it is a verb meaning "to tie" or "to bind." This term perfectly captures the essence of the textile technique, which involves meticulously tying off sections of yarn to create a resist pattern before dyeing. The technique itself is ancient and practiced across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and other parts of the world, but the English name was adopted specifically from the maritime trade languages of the Malay Archipelago. Thus, 'ikat' represents a case where a foreign word was imported wholesale to precisely label a specialized cultural artifact and technique for which no single native English term existed.
Analysis
The word 'ikat' is a loanword from Malay/Indonesian, meaning "to tie" or "to bind." It functions as a simplex noun in English, describing both the process and the product.
Examples
The intricate patterns on the wall hanging were created using the traditional ikat method.
She wore a beautiful dress made from silk ikat.
The museum's exhibition featured ikat textiles from Indonesia and Uzbekistan.