laisse / less / loess [lɛs]
laisse – n. – the irregular strophe of Old French poetry, especially a strophe of the chansons de geste
less – adj, adv., pron., & prep. – adj. – 1. smaller in extent, degree, duration, number, etc.; 2. of smaller quantity, not so much; 3. fewer; 4. of lower rank, status, etc.; adv. – to a smaller extent, in a lower degree; pron. – a smaller amount, quantity or number; prep. – minus
loess – n. – a deposit of fine light-colored wind blown dust found especially in the basins of large rivers and very fertile when irrigated