sluier

Sluier is a Dutch noun meaning veil, a piece of gauze-like fabric used to cover the face or head. It is common in bridal wear, stage costumes, religious or ceremonial attire, but also used metaphorically to describe something that conceals or partially obscures. The phrase een sluier over iets trekken means to cast a veil over something or to conceal.

Etymology: The word is native Dutch and cognate with the German Schleier; both derive from Proto-Germanic roots. In other Germanic languages, a similar term appears as well, reflecting a shared cultural concept of covering or obscuring.

Usage: In fashion and costume contexts, sluier refers to transparent or light fabrics, often used as a head covering or as a decorative overlay. In religious or cultural ceremonies, veils carry symbolic meaning and can denote modesty, status, or ritual significance.

In meteorology, sluierwolken are high, thin, cirrus-like clouds that resemble a veil. In astronomy, Sluiernebel is the Dutch name for the Veil Nebula, a bright emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, part of the expansive Cygnus Loop.

See also: veil, veiling.