alcantara

See also: alcántara, Alcantara, Alcántara, and Alcàntara

English

Etymology

Probably derived from Italian Alcantara (“river in Italy”) or possibly Spanish Alcántara, both from Arabic اَلْقَنْطَرَة (al-qanṭara, “the bridge”). The reason for the derivation is unknown.

Noun

alcantara (uncountable)

1. A suede-like synthetic textile, composed of polyester and polyurethane.
   • 2017 July 24, “Limited edition celebrates 40 years of 7 Series”, in IOL‎^[1]:

     The interior is trimmed in soft merino leather, in either off-white and brown or off-white and black, with hand-woven off-white piping and an alcantara synthetic suede head liner in off-white.

Usage notes

This may be trademarked.