Blanket 892714 220556072 2008-06-20T12:45:22Z Cobaltbluetony 41980 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/24.2.240.174|24.2.240.174]] ([[User talk:24.2.240.174|talk]]) to last version by Idioma-bot {{otheruses}} [[Image:Lautrec in bed 1893.jpg|thumb|right|A painting by [[Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec]] of two people under a blanket]] A '''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, because blankets are 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. These days, [[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. == Etymology == The name is derived from Anlgo-French blankete, from ''blanc'', "white". <ref>[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/blanket Dictionary definition]</ref> ==Use as a ground cloth== [[Image:Blanket2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A girl wearing a blanket over her head.]] Blankets may also be used on the [[ground]] for a [[picnic]] or other places where people want to sit in a grassy or muddy area without soiling their clothing. Discardable blankets have been designed for this purpose, although their inherent wastefulness is a chief concern of several environmental groups. ==Use in firefighting== Specialized blankets 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. The term can also be used to refer to air/liquid foam coverings sprayed on liquid fuel fires &mdash; a ''foam blanket''. ==Use in moving of household goods== Thick quilted and durable blankets are used as protective covers and cushioning when furnishings are moved. == Use in 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 by the pressure points of a [[saddle]]. == References == {{Reflist}} ==See also== {{Wiktionary|blanket}} *[[Blanket fort]] *[[Bed (furniture)|Bed]] *[[Hudson's Bay point blanket]] *[[Duvet]] *[[Comforter]] *[[Silk comforter]] *[[Sleeping bag]] *[[Security blanket]] *[[Horse blanket]] {{SleepSeries2}} [[Category:Bedding]] [[Category:Linens]] [[Category:Insulators]] [[gn:Ahoja]] [[ay:Ahuayo]] [[de:Decke (Textilie)]] [[es:Frazada]] [[eo:Litkovrilo]] [[fr:Couverture (literie)]] [[id:Selimut]] [[it:Copriletto]] [[he:שמיכה]] [[nl:Deken (beddengoed)]] [[nds-nl:Dèken]] [[ja:毛布]] [[pt:Cobertor]] [[qu:Qata]] [[ru:Одеяло]] [[scn:Frazzata]] [[simple:Blanket]] [[sr:Ћебе]] [[sv:Filt (textil)]] [[zh:被子]]