City (pop., 2000 est: 285,500), northeastern Poland.
Founded in the 14th century, it was annexed to Prussia in 17951807. It passed to Russia, was captured by Germany in 1915, and was restored to Poland in 1919. During World War II it was overrun by Germans in 1941, then retaken by Soviet troops in 1944. Returned to Poland in 1945, it is now an important rail junction; it has been a major textile producer since 1863.