Mottled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mottled
[ˈmɒtld ]
Definitions
coloration
Marked with spots or smears of color.
Synonyms
speckled, spotted, variegated.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mottled |
Best used when describing something that has irregular patches or spots of different colors.
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| spotted |
Used to describe something that has distinct, usually round spots. It is often used for patterns on animals or fabric.
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| speckled |
Appropriate for describing something that has many small spots or specks scattered over a surface.
|
| variegated |
Refers to something that has stripes, patches, or different colors, often used in relation to plants or elaborate designs.
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Examples of usage
- The mottled feathers of the bird stood out against the green leaves.
- The mottled sky foretold an approaching storm.
skin
Having spots or patches of different colors or shades.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mottled |
Used to describe something that has spots or blotches of different shades or colors. Often used in nature or art.
|
| patchy |
Describes something uneven or irregular, often in a negative sense. Can be used to talk about inconsistent conditions or coverage.
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| dappled |
Refers to something with spots of light and shade, often seen under tree canopies or in natural settings.
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| marbled |
Typically used for something that has streaks or veins of a different shade or color, resembling marble stone. Commonly used in reference to food or materials.
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Examples of usage
- The mottled skin of the lizard helped it blend into its surroundings.
- Her mottled complexion revealed years of sun exposure.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, mottled patterns can be found in animal coats and skins, providing camouflage from predators.
- Certain types of cancer are described as mottled when tumors show various colors on imaging scans, indicating different tissue densities.
- In geology, rocks may be mottled due to mineral variations, affecting how they look and how they're used in construction.
Art
- Mottled colors in paintings can create depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye to different parts of the artwork.
- Artists often use mottling techniques to mimic natural patterns, like the variations in landscape or animal appearance.
- Ceramic artists may create mottled glazes that produce unique and varied surface effects, making each piece one-of-a-kind.
Nature
- Certain plants have mottled leaves, which can indicate health issues or adapt to their environment by attracting specific sunlight.
- Mottled animals, like the common chameleon, have patterns that help them blend into various surroundings for protection.
- In aquatic ecosystems, mottled fish can use coloration for camouflage against a backdrop of rocks and plants.
Fashion
- Mottled fabrics are popular for clothing, providing a dynamic, eye-catching appearance in garments.
- The trend of using mottled colors in home decor can evoke earthy, natural vibes in interior design.
- Fashion designers may incorporate mottled designs in accessories, giving unique flair to bags and shoes.
Origin of 'mottled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mottled' comes from the Middle English term 'moteled', which means spotted.
- It derives from the Old French word 'moter', meaning to make a mark or spot.
- Initially used to describe surfaces, the term evolved to encompass various contexts in art and nature.
The word 'mottled' originated from the Middle English word 'motlen', which meant 'spotted'. It is derived from the Old English word 'motol', which also meant 'spotted'. The use of 'mottled' to describe coloration dates back to the 15th century.