Paillette
/paɪˈlɛt/noun
A small shiny disc or spangle used as decorative trim, especially on clothing.
Did you know?Paillette comes through French from a diminutive of Latin *pala* (“shovel” or “spade”), because the same root helped name a small flat piece — proof that even sparkle has a tool-shaped past.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“to thrust, strike, or hit; a root behind flat tools and blades”
Latin
Latin
pala
“a spade, shovel, or broad flat blade”
Late Latin
Latin
palletta
“a small flat piece; a diminutive form”
Old French
Old French
paillette
“a small plate, scale, or glittering spangle”
Modern English
English
paillette
“a small shiny disc or spangle used for decoration”