Astrakhan
Definition
Fine pelt with very short, silky, and curled fur, obtained from Karakul lambs slaughtered in the first days after birth or from miscarriages (in which case it is called breitschwanz). In a modern commercial sense, the term also describes an artificial fabric made of wool or synthetic fibers that closely mimics the looped texture and glossy appearance of this luxury natural fur, used in making coats, collars, and hats.
Bilingual Equivalents
- Astrakhan
- Karakul fur
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | Neuter noun with standard singular and plural inflections for materials and clothing components. |
| Formation | Borrowed via French 'astrakhan', named after the Russian city of Astrakhan, which served as the historical trading and export hub for these pelts. |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | [as.tra.ˈkan] |
| Source | Glossary of Textile Materials and International Trade Commodities |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: Bunica păstra în dulapul cu haine de iarnă o haină elegantă din astracan negru, extrem de lucioasă.
EN: Grandmother kept an elegant coat made of extremely glossy black astrakhan in her winter wardrobe.
RO: Fabrica de confecții a comandat un balot de astracan sintetic pentru a decora gulerele paltoanelor din noua colecție.
EN: The garment factory ordered a bale of synthetic astrakhan to decorate the collars of the coats in the new collection.
RO: Negustorii din vechime aduceau astracan autentic din stepele Asiei Centrale prin intermediul marilor târguri dunărene.
EN: Ancient merchants brought authentic astrakhan from the steppes of Central Asia through the great Danube fairs.
Idioms & Phrases
Căciulă de astracan / Astrakhan hat
RO: Acoperământ de cap tradițional de iarnă, confecționat din această blană buclată, purtat istoric de elite sau oficiali.
EN: A traditional winter headwear made from this curly fur, historically worn by elites or officials.
Astracan artificial / Faux astrakhan
RO: Material textil modern obținut industrial prin tricotarea unor fire speciale pentru a reda aspectul buclat al blănii naturale.
EN: A modern textile material industrially obtained by knitting special yarns to reproduce the looped appearance of natural fur.
Guler de astracan / Astrakhan collar
RO: Accesoriu de lux aplicat la gâtul paltoanelor masculine sau feminine pentru a asigura o protecție termică ridicată.
EN: A luxury accessory attached to the neckline of men's or women's coats to ensure high thermal protection.
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