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Biography
other usesA blanket is a type of bedding , generally speaking, a large piece of cloth, intended to keep the user warm, especially while sleep ing. Blankets are distinguished from Bed sheet|sheet s by their thickness and purpose; the thickest sheet is still thinner than the lightest blanket. Blankets are generally used for warmth, while sheets are for hygiene, comfort and aesthetics. Blankets are subdivided into many types, including quilt s, duvet s, and comforter s, depending on their thickness, construction and/or fill material. Electric blanket s are heated by electricity . Blankets were traditionally made of wool because of wool's warmth, breathability and natural fire-retardant properties, while sheets were made of cotton or linen , which are less irritating to the skin. Nowadays, synthetic fiber s are frequently used for both. Throw blankets are smaller blankets, often in decorative colors and patterns, that can be used for extra warmth outside of bed. Blankets are sometimes used as comfort object s by small children.
Etymology
The term arose from the generalization of a specific fabric called Blanket fabric, a heavily napping|napped woolen weave pioneered by Thomas Blanket (Blanquette), a Flemish weaver who lived in Bristol , England in the 14th century. http://www.cuddledown.com/product/articles/buying-guides/bedding+guide.do http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html? res=9B06E4D71330E132A25757C2A9659C946097D6CFcite journal|jstor=1787694 Earlier usage of the term is possible through its derivation from the French word for white, blanc. http://podictionary.com/? p=2754 Podictionary: blanket http://www.etymonline.com/index.php? term=blanket Online Etymology Dictionary: blanket
Uses
Ground cloth
Blankets may also be used on the soil|ground for a picnic or other places where people want to sit in a grassy or muddy area without soiling their clothing. Temporary blankets have been designed for this purpose, although their inherent wastefulness is a chief concern of several environmental groups. Citation needed|date=September 2008
Firefighting
Specialized blankets known as fire blanket s may be used by firefighter s to protect furnishings from water damage during firefighting . Firefighters often wear specialized variants of the fire blanket to protect themselves as well.
Moving household goods
Thick quilted and durable blankets are used as protective covers and cushioning when furnishings are moved.
Horse care
A warming coat for a horse is called a horse blanket , intended to prevent the development of a shaggy winter coat of hair. A small saddle blanket protects the horse's skin from chafing from the pressure points of a saddle .
Keeping heat within the body
To keep warmth inside the body, a blanket can be used to cover one's skin and keep the warmth in. Many kinds of blankets, such as wool are used because they are thicker and have more substantial fabric to them, but cotton can also be used for light blankets. The term blanket is often interchanged with comforter, quilt, and duvet, as they all have similar uses.
See also
Multicol
Bed (furniture)|Bed
Bedspread
Blanket fort
Comforter
Duvet
Horse blanket
Hudson's Bay point blanket
Multicol-break
Photo blanket
Quilt
Security blanket
Sleeping bag
Slanket
Space blanket
Multicol-end
References
Reflist
External links
commonscat-inline|BlanketsWiktionary-inline|blanket SleepSeries2 Category:Blankets Category:Bedding Category:Insulators Category:Furnishings Category:National Toy Hall of Fame inductees
