silesia

¹

[ si-lee-zhuh, -shuh, sahy- ]

noun

1. a lightweight, smoothly finished, twilled fabric of acetate, rayon, or cotton, for garment linings.

Silesia

²

[ si-lee-zhuh, -shuh, sahy- ]

noun

1. a region in central Europe along both banks of the upper Oder River, mainly in SW Poland and the N Czech Republic: formerly divided between Germany (which had the largest portion), Poland, and Czechoslovakia; by provision of the Potsdam agreement 1945, the greater part of German Silesia came under Polish administration; rich deposits of coal, iron, and other minerals.

Silesia

¹

/ saɪˈliːʃɪə /

noun

1. a region of central Europe around the upper and middle Oder valley: mostly annexed by Prussia in 1742 but became almost wholly Polish in 1945; rich coal and iron-ore deposits Polish nameŚląsk Czech nameSlezsko German nameSchlesien

silesia

²

/ saɪˈliːʃɪə /

noun

1. a twill-weave fabric of cotton or other fibre, used esp for pockets, linings, etc

Other Words From

• Si·lesian adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of silesia¹

First recorded in 1665–70; named after Silesia

Word History and Origins

Origin of silesia¹

C17: Latinized form of German Schlesien Silesia

Example Sentences

Frederick was facing the Austrians in Silesia when orders came to Tchernitchev to lead his army home.

From Project Gutenberg

On the 21st Frederick won the decisive battle of Burkersdorf, and a few weeks later was master of Silesia.

From Project Gutenberg

In order to complete the great "march" between east and west, Silesia was essential.

From Project Gutenberg

A simultaneous attempt at revolution in Silesia was ruthlessly put down.

From Project Gutenberg

To be more at freedom she concluded peace with Frederick, and ceded Silesia to him, although greatly against her will.

From Project Gutenberg