Definition of: velvet

(vel′vit) noun
1. A fabric, properly of silk, now sometimes made of cotton or one of the synthetics, closely woven and having on one side a thick, short, smooth pile: called pile velvet when the pile is formed of loops, and cut velvet when the pile is of single threads.
2. The furry skin covering a growing antler.
—chiffon velvet A very soft, lightweight velvet having the pile pressed flat.
—adjective
1. Made of velvet.
2. Smooth and soft to the touch; velvety. [<Med. L velvetum. ult. <L villus shaggy hair]