Matted: meaning, definitions and examples

🧵

Add to dictionary

matted

[ˈmætɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

hair

Covered with a dense growth or a tangled mass, as of hair.

Synonyms

knotted, tangled, tousled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
matted	Matted is used to describe hair or fur that is so tangled that it forms clumps or mats. Typically, this happens when the hair is not brushed regularly. It can also be used to describe something that is pressed down so that individual strands or pieces lose their separateness. Her long hair was matted and dirty after days of hiking. The dog's fur was matted and needed grooming.
tangled	Tangled describes something that is intertwined in a way that makes it difficult to separate or straighten. This word is often used for hair, wires, or ropes that are mixed together chaotically. Her hair got all tangled in the wind. The wires behind the computer desk were tangled and needed organizing.
knotted	Knotted refers to something that is twisted together and forms a knot, which is a tightly closed loop. This term can be used for hair, strings, threads, or ropes that have small, tight loops. The necklace chain got knotted in the jewelry box. She had to carefully untangle the knotted strings of her shoelaces.
tousled	Tousled is used to describe hair that has been slightly disturbed, usually giving it a messy but attractive look. It often implies a casual, natural, and somewhat romantic disarray. He woke up with his hair tousled from sleep. She had that tousled, beachy hair look after a day at the shore.

Examples of usage

My matted hair was difficult to comb.
She had to brush out the matted tangles in her hair.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

objects

Cover or become covered with a tangled mass.

Synonyms

entangle, snag, snarl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
matted	Describes hair or fur that is tangled and clumped together, often due to neglect or lack of grooming. Her dog's fur was matted after playing in the mud The child's hair became matted after swimming in the lake
entangle	Refers to being caught or twisted together with something, making movement difficult. Often used metaphorically to describe complications. The fishing line was entangled in the seaweed She found herself entangled in the complex legal case
snarl	Usually refers to something tangled in a disorderly way, such as hair or wires. Can also describe a situation that is very complicated or difficult. Her headphones were in a snarl at the bottom of her bag The traffic snarl caused delays for hours
snag	Describes getting caught on something sharp or rough, often causing damage or interruption. Can be used for both physical and figurative situations. His sweater snagged on the nail We hit a snag in our travel plans when the flight was delayed

Examples of usage

The carpet was matted with mud.
His clothes were matted with paint.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'matted' comes from the word 'mat,' which originally referred to a flattened or woven piece of material.
The use of 'matted' to describe tangles in hair dates back to the 19th century, emphasizing how things can get caught together.
In Old French, the word 'mat' means 'to make flat,' showing the connection to something being spread out or flattened.

Animal Care

Certain dog breeds, like Poodles and Persian cats, often require regular grooming to prevent their fur from matting.
Matted fur can lead to skin problems for pets, making it essential for owners to check and comb their animals regularly.
Professional groomers have specialized tools designed to safely remove mats without hurting the animal.

Fashion and Textiles

In textile production, fibers can become matted during processing, affecting the quality of the fabric.
Matted wool is a desired look in some fashion trends, giving items a rustic and cozy vibe.
Certain types of rugs, like hemp or jute, can become matted depending on usage, influencing their aesthetic appeal.

Art and Culture

Matted frames are commonly used in art displays, where a piece is placed within a larger, often colored matboard, helping to draw attention to the artwork.
In photography, 'matted' refers to the paper background which can enhance the presentation of prints.
The concept of matting can be seen in various crafts, where layers of materials are pressed together to create texture.

Health and Hygiene

Matted hair can trap dirt and oil, leading to scalp issues if not properly maintained.
Regularly brushing hair can prevent mats, promoting healthy hair and scalp conditions.
In healthcare settings, matted hair on patients may indicate neglect, leading caregivers to provide necessary hygiene assistance.

Translations

Translations of the word "matted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embaraçado

emaranhado
fosco

🇮🇳 उलझा हुआ

🇩🇪 verfilzt

🇮🇩 kusut

🇺🇦 скуйовджений

🇵🇱 splątany

🇯🇵 もつれた

🇫🇷 emmêlé

🇪🇸 enmarañado

🇹🇷 dolaşmış

🇰🇷 엉킨

🇸🇦 متشابك

🇨🇿 zamotaný

🇸🇰 zamotaný

🇨🇳 纠结的

🇸🇮 zmršen

🇮🇸 flæktur

🇰🇿 шатасқан

🇬🇪 ახლართული

🇦🇿 dolaşıq

🇲🇽 enmarañado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,981, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18978 caribou
18979 prettiest
18980 detour
18981 matted
18982 recreate
18983 catalogued
18984 furlough
...