The story
So called because it remembers, or keeps, the shape of something pressed against it.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Today it means: Foam consisting of polyurethane and other chemicals used in the manufacturing of pillows, mattresses, laptop sleeves, etc., which reacts to body heat and molds to the shape of the body. Full definition →
So called because it remembers, or keeps, the shape of something pressed against it.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.