HomePlace Home Dictionary

A

Acrylic

A synthetic fiber commonly used in blankets and other textiles. Acrylic is lightweight, warm and generally less expensive than wool, but it doesn't have the same natural breathability.

Aluminum

A lightweight metal that conducts heat efficiently and is commonly used in cookware. It may be used on its own or combined with other metals in layered cookware.

Amperage

A measurement of electrical current. In small kitchen appliances, it can provide information about the electrical demand of a motor, but it isn't a stand-alone measure of performance.

Anodized Aluminum

Aluminum that has undergone an electrochemical process that creates a harder, more durable surface. Anodized aluminum is commonly used in cookware.

Auto Shut-Off

A safety feature that automatically turns an appliance off after a certain period of inactivity or under specified conditions.

Automatic Self-Cleaning

A feature found on some electric shavers and other appliances that uses an integrated cleaning system to simplify routine maintenance.

B

Baffling

A construction method used in many down and down-alternative comforters. Fabric walls are sewn between the top and bottom layers to help keep fill evenly distributed and maintain loft.

Bath Sheet

A larger alternative to a standard bath towel. Bath sheets provide more coverage and are popular with shoppers who prefer a more generously sized towel.

Bolster

In a kitchen knife, the thicker section between the blade and handle. It can contribute to balance and provide a transition between the blade and grip.

Bone China

A type of fine dinnerware made with bone ash in the ceramic body. Bone china is known for its whiteness, translucency and relatively lightweight feel.

Burr Grinder

A coffee grinder that crushes coffee beans between two abrasive surfaces called burrs. Burr grinders generally offer more consistent grind sizes than blade grinders.

C

Cafe Rod

A relatively simple curtain rod often used for lightweight curtains, particularly café-style kitchen or bathroom curtains.

Carafe

A container designed to hold and serve brewed coffee or another beverage. Carafes may be made from glass, thermal materials or other heat-resistant materials.

Charger Plate

A decorative plate placed beneath the dinnerware at a formal or decorative table setting. It is generally used as part of the presentation rather than as the primary eating surface.

Clad

A cookware construction that combines layers of different metals. For example, stainless steel may be combined with aluminum to provide durability while improving heat distribution.

Convection

A cooking method that circulates heated air around food. Convection can promote more even cooking and browning than conventional still-air cooking.

Conductive Metal

A metal that transfers heat efficiently. Aluminum and copper are particularly good thermal conductors and are often incorporated into quality cookware.

Cotton

A natural fiber widely used in sheets, towels, blankets and other home textiles. Its feel, durability and performance vary depending on the cotton variety, fiber length, yarn and construction.

Cotton Blend

A textile made from cotton combined with another fiber, such as polyester. Blends can offer different combinations of softness, durability, wrinkle resistance and moisture management.

Crema

The golden layer that forms on the surface of a properly extracted shot of espresso. It consists of emulsified oils and other compounds released during brewing.

Crystal

Glass made with a formulation designed to provide qualities such as clarity, brilliance or a distinctive feel. Traditional lead crystal contains lead oxide, while many modern crystal products use lead-free formulations.

D

Down

The soft, fluffy underlayer found beneath the outer feathers of waterfowl. Down provides warmth by trapping air and is valued for its combination of loft, light weight and insulation.

Down Alternative

A synthetic fill designed to provide some of the softness and warmth associated with down. It can be a practical choice for shoppers who prefer synthetic materials or easier-care bedding.

Duvet

A soft, usually filled bed covering designed to be used inside a duvet cover. In the United States, the terms duvet and comforter are sometimes used interchangeably, although construction can differ.

Duvet Cover

A removable fabric cover designed to encase a duvet or comforter. It protects the insert and makes it easy to change the look of the bed.

Dust Ruffle

Also called a bed skirt. A dust ruffle covers the space beneath a bed and can provide a finished appearance to a bedding ensemble.

E

Earthenware

A ceramic material fired at relatively low temperatures. It tends to be more porous and less durable than higher-fired ceramics such as stoneware or porcelain.

Egyptian Cotton

Cotton associated with the Nile Valley and traditionally valued for its long fibers. The term alone does not guarantee a particular quality level, so shoppers should also consider fiber length, construction and certification.

Espresso

A concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure.

Extraction

The process in coffee brewing in which water draws soluble compounds from ground coffee. Grind size, water temperature, contact time and other variables affect the result.

F

Fill Power

A measurement of the loft of down. Higher fill power generally means the down can provide more loft and insulation with less fill weight.

Fine China

A general term historically used for high-quality porcelain or fine dinnerware. The exact meaning can vary by manufacturer.

Flat Beater

A stand mixer attachment typically used for mixing batters, cookie doughs and other medium-density mixtures.

Flat Sheet

A rectangular sheet placed over the sleeper and beneath blankets or a comforter. Whether you use one is primarily a matter of personal preference.

Forged

A knife construction method in which the blade is formed from a piece of steel through forging processes. Forged knives often have a substantial feel and may include a bolster.

French Press

A coffee brewer that steeps ground coffee in hot water before separating the grounds with a plunger and mesh filter.

G

GSM

Short for grams per square meter. GSM is commonly used to describe the weight or density of textiles such as towels. In towels, a higher GSM generally indicates a heavier, denser towel, although weight alone doesn't determine quality or absorbency.

Grind Size

The coarseness or fineness of ground coffee. Different brewing methods generally work best with different grind sizes.

H

HEPA

Short for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A true HEPA filter is designed to capture a very high percentage of small airborne particles.

Humidistat

A control that monitors and regulates humidity in a humidifier or other climate-related appliance.

I

Immersion Blender

A handheld blender with a blending head that can be placed directly into a pot, bowl or container. It is particularly useful for soups, sauces and smaller batches.

Integrated Grinder

A coffee machine feature that combines a grinder and brewer in one appliance. The machine grinds whole beans immediately before brewing.

Induction

A cooking technology that uses magnetic energy to heat compatible cookware directly. Cookware must contain an appropriate magnetic material to work on an induction cooktop.

J

Jacquard

A textile construction in which patterns are woven directly into the fabric rather than simply printed onto its surface.

K

Kiln Temperature

The temperature at which ceramic or porcelain dinnerware is fired. Firing conditions affect characteristics such as hardness, strength and porosity.

Knife Tang

The portion of a knife blade that extends into the handle. Tang construction varies, with full-tang designs extending through much or all of the handle.

L

Linen

A natural textile fiber made from the flax plant. Linen is known for its breathability, moisture management and relaxed texture.

Loft

The height, thickness or fluffiness of a filled textile such as a pillow or comforter. Loft affects feel, warmth and support depending on the product.

Low-Profile

A term describing an item designed with a relatively short height. In bedding, furniture and home accessories, low-profile construction can affect appearance, fit and available space.

M

Masticating Juicer

A type of juicer that crushes and presses produce to extract juice. It generally operates more slowly than a centrifugal juicer.

Memory Foam

A type of viscoelastic foam that responds to pressure and body heat. It is commonly used in pillows, mattress toppers and mattresses.

Moka Pot

A stovetop coffee brewer that uses pressure created by heated water to pass water through ground coffee. It produces a concentrated coffee similar in style to espresso, although it is not technically espresso.

Multi-Ply

Cookware constructed with multiple layers of metal. Different metals can be combined to balance heat conductivity, responsiveness, durability and cooking performance.

N

Nonstick

A cooking surface designed to reduce food sticking and make cleanup easier. Nonstick cookware comes in several different constructions and coatings.

O

Olefin

A synthetic fiber known for being lightweight, durable and resistant to moisture and abrasion. It is used in products including rugs, furniture coverings and some outdoor textiles.

Overlock

A sewing technique that finishes fabric edges with an overlocked stitch to help prevent fraying. It is commonly found in bedding, textiles and apparel.

P

Percale

A closely woven plain-weave fabric commonly used for sheets. Percale typically has a crisp, cool hand and breathable feel.

Pill

A small ball or cluster of fibers that forms on the surface of a fabric through friction and wear.

Pinpoint Weave

A variation of plain weave sometimes used in sheets and other textiles. It typically has a softer hand than basic plain weave while maintaining a relatively smooth surface.

Place Setting

The collection of tableware arranged for one person at a dining table. A place setting can include dinnerware, flatware and drinkware.

Porcelain

A dense, durable ceramic fired at high temperatures. Porcelain is generally less porous and more refined than many other ceramic materials.

Pour-Over

A manual coffee brewing method in which hot water is poured over ground coffee held in a filter. The water passes through the grounds and filter into a cup or carafe.

Pulp Ejector

A feature in some juicers that automatically separates and directs pulp into a separate container.

Pump-Driven

An espresso machine design that uses a pump to force heated water through coffee grounds under pressure.

Q

Quilted

A construction technique in which two or more layers of material are stitched together, often with fill between them. Quilting can add structure, warmth and visual detail.

R

Riveted Handle

A cookware handle attached to the pan with metal rivets. Riveted construction is known for its secure attachment, although the rivets remain visible inside the pan and may require additional cleaning.

S

Sateen

A fabric weave commonly used for sheets. Sateen has a smooth, soft hand and a subtle sheen created by the arrangement of the threads.

Shaker

A container designed for mixing or serving beverages. In barware, cocktail shakers come in several styles and constructions.

Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A coffee machine designed to brew individual servings, often using pods, capsules or a reusable filter system.

Stamped

A knife blade made by cutting or stamping the blade shape from a sheet of steel. Stamped knives can be lighter and more flexible than many forged knives.

Stainless Steel

A steel alloy containing chromium that provides increased resistance to corrosion and staining. Stainless steel is widely used in cookware, flatware and kitchen tools.

Stoneware

A ceramic material fired at relatively high temperatures. Stoneware is generally denser, less porous and more durable than earthenware.

Supima

A trademarked designation for American-grown Pima cotton. It refers to a specific type of extra-long-staple cotton rather than simply a generic cotton quality level.

Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

An espresso machine that automates several steps of the brewing process, often including grinding, dosing and brewing. Some models also automate milk preparation.

T

Tang

The portion of a knife blade that extends into the handle. A full tang generally extends through the full length of the handle and can contribute to balance and strength.

Terry

A textile construction characterized by loops of yarn, most commonly associated with bath towels. Loop structure influences the towel's texture, absorbency and feel.

Thermal Carafe

An insulated coffee carafe designed to retain heat without relying on a hot plate.

Thermal Weave

A relatively open textile construction designed to allow greater air circulation. Thermal blankets are generally lighter and less insulating than tightly woven blankets.

Thread Count

The number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. Thread count can be useful, but it should not be treated as a stand-alone measure of sheet quality. Fiber quality, yarn construction and weave matter too.

Throw

A smaller blanket intended for decorative or functional use on a sofa, chair or the foot of a bed.

U

Under-Cabinet

A product or feature designed to fit beneath kitchen cabinets or other overhead cabinetry. Under-cabinet lighting and appliances are common examples.

Upholstery

The fabric, padding and supporting materials used to cover furniture such as chairs, benches and sofas.

V

Velour

A soft textile with a cut-pile surface that creates a plush, velvety feel. In towels, cutting the loops creates softness but generally reduces absorbency compared with terry construction.

Vitrified

A ceramic material that has been fired so that it becomes dense and glass-like, reducing porosity and increasing durability.

W

Warm-Mist Humidifier

A humidifier that heats water before releasing moisture into the air. Because it involves heating water, these units require appropriate care and safety precautions.

Welded Handle

A cookware handle attached to the pan through welding rather than visible rivets. This creates a smoother interior surface.

Wire Whip

A stand mixer attachment designed primarily for incorporating air into ingredients, such as whipping cream or egg whites.

Wool

A natural fiber obtained from sheep and other animals. Wool is valued for warmth, durability and its ability to manage moisture.

Wrap Mattress Pad

A mattress pad designed to cover the top and sides of a mattress, typically with elastic or fitted construction around the lower edge.

X

There are no commonly used HomePlace shopping terms beginning with X at this time.

Y

There are no commonly used HomePlace shopping terms beginning with Y at this time.

Z

There are no commonly used HomePlace shopping terms beginning with Z at this time.

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