Definition of "calico" in English

noun

1. (textiles) A kind of rough cloth made from unbleached and not fully processed cotton, often printed with a bright pattern.

2. (countable) Ellipsis of calico cat.

3. (uncountable, botany) The plant disease caused by Tobacco mosaic virus.

adjective

1. Made of calico or resembling the color of calico cloth, having a pattern of red and contrasting areas; variegated.

   • The calico cat had distinctive red and dark markings.
   • The calico-patterned tablecloths were supposed to make the restaurant look rustic; instead, they made it look run down.