demoiselle

/,demwɑ:'zel/

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Word: Demoiselle

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition:

1. Marine Fish: The term "demoiselle" refers to a small, colorful fish found in tropical coral reefs. These fish are often admired for their vibrant colors and graceful swimming.
2. Young Unmarried Woman: In a more traditional and literary sense, "demoiselle" can also mean a young unmarried woman, especially in a formal or elegant context.

Usage Instructions:

• When talking about the fish, you can use "demoiselle" to describe its appearance or behavior in the ocean.
• When referring to a young woman, it can be used in a more formal or poetic context.

Examples:

1. Marine Fish Usage: "The demoises are swimming gracefully among the coral, showing off their bright blue and yellow colors."
2. Young Unmarried Woman Usage: "The demoiselles of the court were known for their elegance and charm."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, "demoiselle" may be used in historical or romantic contexts to evoke a sense of youth and delicacy. For example, "The demoiselles danced gracefully at the ball, capturing the attention of all the gentlemen."

Word Variants:

• The plural form of "demoiselle" is "demoiselles."

Different Meanings:

• In modern usage, "demoiselle" primarily refers to the fish, while the meaning of a young unmarried woman is less commonly used today but may still appear in literature or historical texts.

Synonyms:

• For the fish: "tropical fish," "coral reef fish."
• For the young woman: "maiden," "young lady," "miss."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "demoiselle." However, you might come across phrases like "damsel in distress," which refers to a young woman in a difficult situation, somewhat akin to the older use of "demoiselle."

Summary:

The word "demoiselle" can describe either a beautiful, small fish found in tropical waters or a young unmarried woman, especially in a more formal or romantic context.

Academic

Noun

1. small brilliantly colored tropical marine fishes of coral reefs
2. a young unmarried woman

Synonyms

• damselfish
• damsel
• damoiselle
• damosel
• damozel