mattress: Meaning and Definition of

mat•tress

Pronunciation: (ma'tris), [key]
— n.
  1. a large pad for supporting the reclining body, used as or on a bed, consisting of a quilted or similarly fastened case, usually of heavy cloth, that contains hair, straw, cotton, foam rubber, etc., or a framework of metal springs.
  2. See
  3. a mat woven of brush, poles, or similar material, used to prevent erosion of the surface of dikes, jetties, embankments, dams, etc.
  4. a layer of concrete placed on bare ground, as to provide a footing; mat.
  5. a layer of any material used to cushion, protect, reinforce, or the like.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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