Canvas

Canvas is a strong, coarse cloth. The name comes from a Latin word meaning hemp, which was originally used to make canvas. Most canvas is made of cotton and is called duck. More expensive canvas fabrics are made from synthetic fibers. Artists paint oil pictures on cotton or linen canvas. Canvas is also used for clothing and tennis shoes. Heavy grades of canvas are used for conveyor belts, sails, tents, awnings, and coverings called tarpaulins.