Incrustation: meaning, definitions and examples

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incrustation

 

[ ɪnˈkrəs.teɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

surface coating

Incrustation refers to a hard, outer layer or crust that forms on the surface of an object, often as a result of a natural process or chemical reaction. This term is commonly used in contexts involving geology, marine biology, and restoration art. The incrustation can lead to changes in the original appearance and properties of the object, sometimes providing protection while also posing challenges for maintenance or restoration. The buildup of mineral deposits or biological growths such as barnacles can be examples of incrustation.

Synonyms

coating, crust, encrustation, overlay

Examples of usage

  • The incrustation on the ancient statue was a result of years of weathering.
  • Marine life can create incrustation on ship hulls, affecting their performance.
  • Geologists study the incrustation of minerals to understand past environmental conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "incrustation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incrustação

🇮🇳 अभिन्यास

🇩🇪 Einschluss

🇮🇩 inkrustasi

🇺🇦 вклинення

🇵🇱 inkrustacja

🇯🇵 埋没

🇫🇷 incrustation

🇪🇸 incrustación

🇹🇷 inkrustasyon

🇰🇷 침식

🇸🇦 تداخل

🇨🇿 inkrustace

🇸🇰 inkrustácia

🇨🇳 镶嵌

🇸🇮 inkrustacija

🇮🇸 innskot

🇰🇿 инкрустация

🇬🇪 ინკრუსტაცია

🇦🇿 inkrustasiya

🇲🇽 incrustación

Etymology

The word 'incrustation' originates from the Latin 'incrustatio', which means 'to cover with a crust'. This Latin term itself is derived from 'incrustare', where 'in-' denotes 'in' or 'on' and 'crustare' comes from 'crusta', meaning 'crust'. The usage of 'incrustation' dates back to the late 15th century, primarily used in geological and archaeological contexts. Over the years, it has expanded to encompass various fields including marine biology, where it describes the hardened layers formed by organisms on surfaces, as well as in restorative art when referring to surface deposits on historical artifacts. The concept reflects a natural phenomenon observed across multiple domains where layering and buildup occur, portraying both beauty and challenges in conservation.