starch
STARCH
/stɑːrtʃ/
A carbohydrate agent used to stiffen fabrics such as shirt collars and cuffs.
Starch gives garments crisp structure and forms a protective barrier against dirt, though excessive starch makes fabrics brittle.
The story behind the word. Originating from Old English 'stearc' (meaning rigid or strong). In the 16th century, plant starches (derived from wheat or corn) were introduced to Western European fashion to hold up massive, elaborate ruffled linen collars called ruffs.
Word relationships
- stiffen: Stiffen means making rigid by any method, while starch specifically utilizes carbohydrate compounds to achieve firmness.
- size: Sizing refers to industrial glazing agents, whereas starch is used both at home and commercially for garment crispness.
- soften: Soften means rendering fabric pliable and relaxed, the exact opposite of starching.
Commonly confused with
- scorch: Scorch means burning or singeing fabric with high heat, while starch stiffens it.
Word family
- starchy (adjective): Containing starch, or figuratively stiff and overly formal in manner.
Collocations
- spray starch
- light starch
- heavy starch
- starch a collar
Idioms & expressions
- starchy behavior
Example sentences
- "Lightly starch the dress shirt collar and cuffs to ensure they keep their sharp shape all day." Formal shirt ironing
- "Recruits learn how to starch their service dress uniforms so the fabric remains completely unwrinkled during inspection." Military uniform preparation
Memory hook
STARCH makes your STIFF collar stand UP STARK and firm. Starch for a stiff, sharp collar.
When not to use
Do not apply spray starch to soft knitted sweaters or silk items that require drape and fluid movement.
Fun facts
- In Elizabethan England, liquid laundry starch was scented with herbs and tinted yellow, pink, or blue to match high-fashion ruffled neck collars.
Explore more words
interfacing, carbohydrate, stabilizer, gelatinization, crispness, thickener
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