ˈtafəd.]ə, -fət] noun
also taf·fe·ty ]ē, ]i ; or taf·fa·ta ]ə\
( plural taffetas also taffeties or taffatas )
Etymology: Middle English, taffeta, taffata, from Middle French taffetas, from Old Italian taffettà, from Turkish tafta, from Persian tāftah woven, spun, from tāften to spin
1. : a crisp plainwoven fabric with a fine cross rib and a smooth lustrous surface on both sides that is woven of various fibers (as silk, linen, rayon) and used especially for women's clothing
2. : a yellow greaseproof film of cellulose used as a covering (as for greased areas or moist surgical dressings)