leopard-print
Meaning
Having a pattern that resembles the spots on a leopard's fur.
A fabric or design featuring a pattern of irregular dark spots on a lighter background, imitating a leopard's coat.
Structure
Usage
She wore a striking leopard-print dress to the party.
The interior designer suggested a leopard-print rug for a bold accent.
The trend for leopard-print accessories comes and goes every few years.
Etymology
The term is a modern English compound, combining the name of the animal with the word for a decorative pattern. The animal's name, "leopard," has an ancient hybrid origin, fusing the Greek words for "lion" and "panther," reflecting early attempts to classify this spotted big cat. The word "print" traces back to the Latin verb for pressing, evolving through French to denote an impressed mark or design. Together, they logically describe a manufactured pattern that replicates the distinctive spotted markings of the leopard's fur, a fashion motif popularized in the 20th century.
Analysis
leopard: From Late Latin leopardus, from Greek leopardos, from leōn (lion) + pardos (panther, male panther). A compound name for the animal. print: From Old French preinte, priente ("impression, mark"), from preindre ("to press"), from Latin premere ("to press"). Refers to a pattern or design applied to a surface.