sheath

sheath

noun \ˈshēth\

plural sheaths \ˈshēthz, ˈshēths\

Definition of SHEATH

1

: a case for a blade (as of a knife)

2

: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as

a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted

b (1) : the lower part of a leaf when surrounding the stem (2) : an ensheathing spathe

3

: any of various covering or supporting structures that resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: as

a : sheathing 2

b : a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt

c British : condom 1

Examples of SHEATH

1. the sheath of a sword
2. a piece of wire covered with a plastic sheath

Origin of SHEATH

Middle English shethe, from Old English scēath; akin to Old High German sceida sheath and perhaps to Latin scindere to split — more at shed

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHEATH

Synonyms

armor, capsule, casing, cocoon, cover, covering, encasement, housing, hull, husk, jacket, pod, ¹case, shell

Related Words

forel; cartridge, cassette (also casette); bark, crust; carapace, house, mail, panoply, plate, plating, shield; cuticle, hide, skin; envelope, package, wrapper; backing, coating, coverture, facing

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with SHEATH

eath, heath, Meath, neath, wreath

sheath

noun \ˈshēth\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; sheaths \ˈshēthz, ˈshēths\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of SHEATH

1

: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted b : the connective tissue of an organ or part that binds together its component elements and holds it in place

2

: condom 1

—sheathed adjective