Apron
An apron is an outer protective garment that covers primarily the front of the body. It may be worn for hygenic reasons as well as in order to protect clothes from wear and tear. The apron is a commonly a part of the uniform of several work categories, including waitresses, nurses, housewifes and domestic staff. It is also worn as a decorative garment by women. There are many different apron styles depending on the purpose of the apron.
In addition to cloth, aprons can be made from a variety of materials. Rubber aprons are commonly used by persons working with dangerous chemicals, and lead aprons are commonly worn by persons such as X-ray technicians who work near radiation.
The term is also used more generally to refer to an expanse surrounding some object; for example, an airport can have a concrete "apron" around it, where planes and other vehicles can move about.
The word Apron is from the corruption of the term "a napron" into "an apron". The original spelling of napron is lost.
See also