stiffener
Makes fabric firm
A stiffener is something that makes a material more rigid.
In sewing and tailoring, stiffeners like interfacing or boning give structure to collars, cuffs, and bodices.
In construction and engineering, stiffeners are reinforcing elements—plates, ribs, or beams—that prevent buckling or bending: The steel beam needed additional stiffeners.
Informally, a stiffener is a strong alcoholic drink taken to brace oneself.
Connecting between systems
- interliningFabric inserted between layers
- boningRemoving skeletal structure
- canvasHeavy woven cloth
- buckramRigid textile for linings
fusible · collar stay · crinoline · whalebone · bustle · corset · bodice · cuff
Supporting outer structure
- ribCurved chest bone
- stringerFreelance reporter or beam
- kneeLeg's middle hinge
- floorIndoor walking surface
beam · bracket · bulkhead · keelson · stem · deck · hull · girder
Device providing structural stability
- gussetReinforcing fabric insert
- strutProud, showy gait
- stayRemain in position
- insertPlace within another thing
sleeve · collar · flange · plate · batten · rib · web · reinforcement
Viscous plant secretion
- epoxyCatalyst-cured bonding compound
- sizingDetermining or adjusting dimensions
- starchComplex plant carbohydrate
- gelatinCollagen-derived thickening protein
shellac · lacquer · polymer · fiberglass · carbon fiber · adhesive · composite · thermoplastic
State of being unbending
- firmnessResistance to deformation
- hardnessResistance to penetration
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- durabilityResistance to wear
tensile strength · toughness · stability · resistance · inflexibility
interfacing
Connecting between systems
- interliningFabric inserted between layers
- boningRemoving skeletal structure
- canvasHeavy woven cloth
buckram · fusible · collar stay · crinoline · whalebone · bustle · corset · bodice · cuff · placket
frame
Supporting outer structure
floor · beam · bracket · bulkhead · keelson · stem · deck · hull · girder · stanchion
brace
Device providing structural stability
insert · sleeve · collar · flange · plate · batten · rib · web · reinforcement · backing
resin
Viscous plant secretion
- epoxyCatalyst-cured bonding compound
- sizingDetermining or adjusting dimensions
- starchComplex plant carbohydrate
gelatin · shellac · lacquer · polymer · fiberglass · carbon fiber · adhesive · composite · thermoplastic
rigidity
State of being unbending
- firmnessResistance to deformation
- hardnessResistance to penetration
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
durability · tensile strength · toughness · stability · resistance · inflexibility
- millinerymilliner, milliners, hatmaker, hatmakers, hats
- shoe partssole, heel, toe, insole, outsole
- textile workerstailor, dressmaker, weaver, weavers, spinner
- Backing Materialspadding, lining, interfacing, substrate, underlay
- hat partsbrim, crown, visor, bill, peak
- reinforcementrebar, steel bar, backup, brace, strut
stiffenersoftener
Agent that reduces hardness
plasticizer · relaxer · fabric softener · loosener · lubricant
- stiffen upBecome rigid or tense
- stiffening upBecoming less flexible
- stiffened upBecame less flexible
stiffen, stiffened, stiffening, stiffens, unstiffened, stiffeners