Main Entry: ¹cush·ion

Pronunciation: \ˈku̇-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English cusshin, from Anglo-French cussin, quissin, from Vulgar Latin *coxinus, from Latin coxa hip — more at coxa

Date: 14th century

1 : a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling
2 : a bodily part resembling a pad
3 : something resembling a cushion: as a : pillow 2 b : rat 3 c : a pad of springy rubber along the inside of the rim of a billiard table d : a padded insert in a shoe e : an elastic body for reducing shock f : a mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear
4 a : something (as an economic factor or a medical procedure) serving to mitigate the effects of disturbances or disorders b : a reserve supply (as of money) c : a comfortable lead <a 4–0 cushion in the ninth inning>

— cush·ion·less \-ləs\ adjective

— cush·iony \-shə-nē\ adjective