Velcro etymology

Etymology:

The word "Velcro" is a portmanteau of the French words "velours" (velvet) and "crochet" (hook).

Meaning:

Velcro is a type of fabric fastener consisting of two strips:

  • Loop strip: Covered in tiny loops made from nylon or polyester.
  • Hook strip: Covered in tiny plastic hooks.

When the two strips are pressed together, the hooks engage with the loops, creating a strong and easily releasable bond.

Origin:

Velcro was invented in 1948 by Swiss engineer George de Mestral. After hiking with his dog, he noticed small burrs stuck to his clothing and his dog's fur. He examined the burrs under a microscope and realized that they had tiny hooks that could attach to loops.

Inspired by this observation, de Mestral developed a synthetic version of the burrs using woven nylon loops and nylon yarn with attached hooks. He patented his invention in 1955 and named it "Velcro," a contraction of "velours" and "crochet."

Velcro quickly gained popularity for its ease of use and versatility. It is now widely used in a variety of applications, including clothing, footwear, bags, and industrial products.

Velcro relate terms

  • cloth

    Etymology The word cloth derives from the Old English word clāð which is believed

  • clover

    Etymology Old English clæfer Proto Germanic klafra Proto Indo European kler to

  • recuse

    Etymology The word recuse comes from the Latin verb recusare meaning to refuse or

  • rescue

    Etymology The word rescue comes from the Middle English word rescus which in turn co

  • secure

    Etymology The word secure originates from the Latin term securus meaning free from

  • ceruse

    Etymology French céruse lt Latin cerussa lt Greek keringos white lead Mea

  • fasten

    Etymology Middle English fastnen from Old English fæstnian to make firm or secure

  • material

    Etymology Middle English materiale from Latin materiālis from materia matter M

  • fabric

    Etymology The word fabric comes from the Latin word fabricare which means to make