I. ˈtifənē, -ni noun
( -es )
Etymology: probably from obsolete French tiphanie Epiphany, from Late Latin theophania — more at theophany
1. : any of several very thin transparent textiles: as
a. : a sheer silk gauze formerly used for clothing and trimmings
b. : a plain-weave open-mesh cotton fabric (as cheesecloth)
2. : an article (as a sieve) made of tiffany
II. adjective
: delicate , filmy , fragile
a tiffany -winged fly
III. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: after Charles L. Tiffany died 1902 American jeweler
of a jewelry setting : having long prongs to hold a gem
IV. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: after Louis C. Tiffany died 1933 American artist
: exhibiting or characterized by irregular areas of translucent blended color due to the use of a glazing liquid over a suitably painted surface (as of a wall)
a Tiffany effect
the popularity of Tiffany finishes
— compare scumble