French word

lycra

Pronunciation

IPA/likʁa/

Meaning

  • masculine nounspandex

Example

Cette robe est en lycra.

This dress is made of spandex.

Illustration for lycra (spandex)

More examples

Il a acheté un legging en lycra.

He bought leggings made of Lycra.

Core concept

A highly elastic clothing material that stretches with the body and returns to shape.

Common phrases

  • legging en lycra

    leggings made of Lycra

  • pantalon en lycra

    pants made of Lycra

Similar words

élasthanne: A highly elastic synthetic fiber used in swimwear and sportswear.
tissu extensible: A general term for fabric that stretches and recovers its shape.
fibre élastique: A general term for a fiber with elastic properties.

Definition in French

Marque déposée devenue nom courant pour une matière synthétique très élastique, surtout employée pour les vêtements de sport et de bain.

Word origin

Lycra began as a DuPont trademark for elastane, a polyurethane-based fiber, and later became a common noun in French.

Usage tips

  • In everyday French, lycra is usually masculine and appears as the mass noun du lycra, while technical labels often use élasthanne.

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