Word Explorer

Distaff

/ˈdɪstɑːf/

A device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. A traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (as indicated by the etymology of the word), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Distaff"

noun

1
A device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. A traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (as indicated by the etymology of the word), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.
2
The part of a spinning wheel from which fibre is drawn to be spun.
3
Anything traditionally done by or considered of importance to women only.
4
A race for female horses only.

adjective

1
Of, relating to, or characteristic of women.
2
Of the maternal side of a family.

🔄 Synonyms of "Distaff"

2 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
femalenoun	Belonging to the sex which typically produces eggs (ova), or to the gender which is typically associated with it.
femininenoun	Of or pertaining to the female gender.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Distaff"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
femalenoun	One of the female (feminine) sex or gender.
femininenoun	(grammar) The feminine gender.
rocknoun	A formation of minerals, specifically:
fibernoun	(uncountable) A material in the form of fibers.
stringnoun	(countable, uncountable) A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.
staplenoun	(by extension) Place of supply; source.
spindlenoun	(spinning) A rod used for spinning and then winding fibres (especially wool), usually consisting of a shaft and a circular whorl positioned at either the upper or lower end of the shaft when suspended vertically from the forming thread.
threadnoun	A cord formed by spinning or twisting together textile fibers or filaments into one or more continuous strands, typically used in needlework.
filaturenoun	The process of drawing fibres into threads, especially the process of reeling raw silk from cocoons.
yarnnoun	(uncountable) A twisted strand of fibre used for knitting or weaving.
stricknoun	A flat piece of wood used for levelling off grain in a measure; a strickle.
fibrecraftnoun	The traditional craft of creating fibres.
spinning framenoun	a machine that draws and twists fibres and then winds it onto spools or spindles
cardnoun	A playing card.
spinning wheelnoun	A domestic device for making yarn or thread; having a single spindle and a wheel driven by hand or foot.
spinnoun	Rapid circular motion.
thrednoun	Obsolete form of thread. [A cord formed by spinning or twisting together textile fibers or filaments into one or more continuous strands, typically used in needlework.]
stricklenoun	A rod used to level off heaped grain etc. when being measured, or concrete after pouring.
filamentnoun	A fine thread or wire.
woofnoun	(weaving) The set of yarns carried by the shuttle of a loom which are placed crosswise at right angles to and interlaced with the warp; the weft.