sheath

 
Pronunciation: /ʃiːθ/

noun (plural sheaths /ʃiːðz, ʃiːθs/)

  • a close-fitting cover for the blade of a knife or sword.
  • a structure in living tissue which closely envelops another: the fatty sheath around nerve fibres
  • a protective covering around an electric cable.
  • (also sheath dress) a woman’s close-fitting dress.
  • chiefly British a condom.

Derivatives

sheathless

adjective

Origin:

Old English scǣth, scēath 'scabbard', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schede, German Scheide, also to the verb shed2