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papier-mâché

/ˌpæp.ieɪ mæˈʃeɪ/ French Origin Art

Original Word

papier-mâché

French

Entered English

18th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "papier-mâché"

From French 'papier-mâché', literally 'chewed paper', a composite material made of paper pieces or pulp bound with adhesive. Despite the French name, the technique originated in China and was brought to Europe in the 17th century.

Example Usage

"The children made papier-mâché masks for the school parade."

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