Puckering: meaning, definitions and examples
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puckering
[ˈpʌkərɪŋ ]
Definition
Context #1 | Verb
physical reaction
Puckering refers to the act of forming small folds or wrinkles in a surface, typically skin or fabric. This term is most commonly used to describe the tightening or wrinkling of the skin, often around the mouth or eyes, such as when someone is about to smile or frown. It can also be used in sewing to describe gathering or crumpling fabric to give it a certain texture or shape. Puckering can indicate surprise, curiosity, or concentration depending on the context.
Synonyms
crumpling, gathering, wrinkling.
Examples of usage
- She puckered her lips at the thought.
- The fabric was puckering from the heat.
- He noticed his skin puckering as he smiled.
- Don't pucker your face while concentrating.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'pucker' comes from the Middle English word 'puccher,' meaning to wrinkle or contract.
- It has roots in Old English, where similar terms were used to describe the action of pulling or drawing in.
Culinary Arts
- In cooking, puckering can describe how certain foods like pickles or sour candies make your mouth feel when they’re tasty and tangy.
- Chefs often create sauces that pucker the taste buds by combining sweet and sour flavors.
Fashion
- Puckering in fabric often occurs when seams are sewn improperly, leading to an unappealing wrinkled look.
- Designers often use puckering to create textures and add visual interest to garments.
Psychology
- The act of puckering one’s lips can be a form of non-verbal communication, often signaling disdain or disapproval.
- Puckering can also be related to emotional responses, like when someone makes a face at a bitter taste.
Nature
- Some plants, especially certain fruits, can appear puckered when they’re drying or shriveling, often indicating that they are overripe.
- The surface of some leaves can develop a puckered texture as a natural form of adaptation to environmental stressors.