tassel1
/ˈtas(ə)l
/noun
1A tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration to soft furnishings, clothing, or other items: damask curtains were held by silk cords with gold tassels...
- Each panel is embroidered before assembling the skirt and decorative welting, cord and tassels are added for just the perfect finishing touch.
- Also, the rails carried black cords with black tassels hanging down, giving a sombre effect to the wooden coffin clamped to the trolley platform.
- A fascinating mix of braids, tassels, chenilles and decorative trimmings in delicate silken yarn complements the entire package.
1.1The tufted head of some plants, especially a flower head with prominent stamens at the top of a maize stalk: the pollen forms on the tassel...
- In the maize tassel, gibberellin concentration is 100-fold lower than in the developing ears.
- Symptoms occur on all plant tissues, including leaves, tassels, ears, and less commonly on stalks.
- During pollination the female portion of the plant receives pollen from the tassel, resulting in fertilization of the ovule (kernel).
verb (tassels, tasselling, tasselled; US tassels, tasseling, tasseled)
1 [with object] (usually as adjective tasselled) Provide with a tassel or tassels: tasselled curtains...
- The focus of the voyeuristic mirror's gaze are two plump, tasselled purple cushions which are probably intended to serve as pillows.
- When we met, I did not recognise my book - it was tasselled with yellow stickers, highlighted and marked on every page.
- Accessorise the look with long tasselled shoulder bags in patch-work leather and butter soft suede boots.
2 [no object] North American (Of maize or other plants) form tassels: I note that two plantings of maize are tasselling at the same time...
- Most dryland corn will tassel when plants are 3-4 feet tall.
- Corn is tasselling and although it is hot, the high humidity should prevent problems with pollination.
- Treat this soybean R3 - R4 stage with the same importance you would treat your corn tasseling and silking periods.
Origin
Middle English (also denoting a clasp for a cloak): from Old French tassel 'clasp', of unknown origin.
Rhymes
tassel2
/ˈtas(ə)l/(also torsel)
noun
A small piece of stone or wood supporting the end of a beam or joist.A piece of timber projecting out to carry weight was called a "tassel" or a "bragger."
Origin
Mid 17th century: from obsolete French, from Latin taxillus 'small die'.