cush·ion  (kŏŏsh'ən) 
n. A pad or pillow with a soft filling, used for resting, reclining, or kneeling. Something resilient used as a rest, support, or shock absorber. A mat placed or attached beneath carpeting to provide softness and increase durability. A padlike body part. Games The rim bordering the playing surface of a billiard table. A pillow used in lacemaking. Something that mitigates or relieves an adverse effect: extra funds serving as a cushion against future inflation.
tr.v.
cush·ioned, cush·ion·ing, cush·ions
To provide with a cushion: cushion a bench. To place or seat on a cushion. To cover or hide (something) with or as if with a cushion. To protect from impacts or other disturbing effects: an automobile suspension that cushions the ride. To mitigate the effects of; absorb the shock of: cushion a blow.
[Middle English cushin, from Old French coussin, from Vulgar Latin *coxīnum, from Latin coxa, hip.]
cush'ion·y adj. |
sh-uh-nee]