wrinkle-free
Meaning
(of fabric or clothing) treated or designed so that it does not crease easily.
(of a person's skin or appearance) smooth and without wrinkles.
Structure
Usage
this wrinkle-free shirt is perfect for travel as it doesn't need ironing.
she uses a special cream to keep her skin looking wrinkle-free.
the new fabric blend promises a wrinkle-free finish throughout the day.
Etymology
The compound 'wrinkle-free' is a Modern English formation that transparently combines two elements of Germanic origin. 'wrinkle' descends from the Old English 'gewrinclod', meaning 'winding' or 'sinuous', which itself is related to the Old English verb 'wrencan', 'to twist'. 'free' originates from the Proto-Germanic 'frijaz', conveying a state of not being bound or subject to something. The compound's logic is entirely literal: 'free from wrinkles'. It first emerged in the 20th century, primarily in the context of textile technology and cosmetics, to describe materials or treatments that resist creasing or skin that maintains a smooth appearance, directly applying the ancient sense of 'free' as 'lacking' to the specific problem of wrinkles.
Analysis
wrinkle (from middle english 'wrinkel', of old english origin, meaning a crease or fold); free (from old english 'frēo', meaning exempt from or not subject to)