gossamer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
  2. noun filaments from a web that was spun by a spider
    cobweb.
  3. adjective satellite characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy
    ethereal.
    • this smallest and most ethereal of birds
    • gossamer shading through his playing
  4. adjective satellite so thin as to transmit light
    gauze-like; sheer; vaporous; see-through; cobwebby; vapourous; filmy; diaphanous; transparent; gauzy.
    • a hat with a diaphanous veil
    • filmy wings of a moth
    • gauzy clouds of dandelion down
    • gossamer cobwebs
    • sheer silk stockings
    • transparent chiffon
    • vaporous silks

WordNet

Gos"sa*mer noun
Etymology
OE. gossomer, gossummer, gosesomer, perh. for goose summer, from its downy appearance, or perh. for God's summer, cf. G. mariengarr gossamer, properly Mary's yarn, in allusion to the Virgin Mary. Perhaps the E. word alluded to a legend that the gossamer was the remnant of the Virgin Mary's winding sheet, which dropped from her when she was taken up to heaven. For the use of summer in the sense of film or threads, cf. G. Mädchensommer, Altweibersommer, fliegender Sommer, all meaning, gossamer.
Definitions
  1. A fine, filmy substance, like cobwebs, floating in the air, in calm, clear weather, especially in autumn. It is seen in stubble fields and on furze or low bushes, and is formed by small spiders.
  2. Any very thin gauzelike fabric; also, a thin waterproof stuff.
  3. An outer garment, made of waterproof gossamer.

Webster 1913