Splatter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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splatter

[ˈsplætər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

art

Cover (a surface or area) with drops or blobs of a substance.

Synonyms

slop, slop over, spill, spray.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
splatter	Used when talking about a liquid that hits and spreads over a surface, often in an uneven or scattered pattern. Commonly used with paints, blood, or water. Paint splattered all over the floor. The rain splattered against the window.
spray	Used when a liquid is forced out of a container in small droplets, creating a fine mist. This term often implies intentionality. She sprayed perfume on her wrists. The garden hose sprayed water in all directions.
slop	Refers to a liquid or semi-liquid substance being poured or falling carelessly, with a sense of messiness. Can have a slightly negative connotation. He slopped soup all over the table. The pigs slopped around in the mud.
slop over	Describes a situation where a liquid exceeds the boundaries of its container and spills over the edge, often implying a lack of control. The coffee slopped over the rim of the cup. The waves slopped over the sides of the boat.
spill	General term for a liquid accidentally escaping its container. This term has a neutral connotation and can be used in various situations. She spilled her drink on the carpet. Oil spills can cause environmental damage.

Examples of usage

The walls were splattered with paint.
She accidentally splattered ink all over her desk.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

A mark or pattern of marks made by liquid that has been splashed or spattered.

Synonyms

spatter, splash, spray, stain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
splatter	Use 'splatter' when a liquid or semi-liquid substance is thrown or falls onto a surface, making it messy and irregular. The paint splattered all over the floor. Rain splattered against the windowpane.
splash	Employ 'splash' when a larger amount of liquid hits a surface and spreads out quickly. Often used in a playful or dynamic context. The kids love to splash water in the pool. She accidentally splashed juice on her dress.
spray	Use 'spray' for a fine mist or small droplets that are dispersed over a large area from a nozzle or similar mechanism. He sprayed water onto the plants. She used spray paint to color the wall.
spatter	Choose 'spatter' when referring to small drops of a liquid that fall or are thrown on a surface. Commonly used when the drops are scattered. He spattered paint on his clothes while working. The frying oil spattered onto the stove.
stain	The word 'stain' is appropriate when something leaves a mark or discoloration that is often unwanted and difficult to remove. This term has a negative connotation. The coffee stained the carpet. The ink stained her hands.

Examples of usage

The canvas was covered in colorful splatters of paint.
She admired the splatter on the wall, finding beauty in its randomness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

Splatter techniques are famously used in abstract expressionism, with artists like Jackson Pollock making it a signature style.
The spontaneity of splatter allows for unexpected beauty, with colors colliding to create unique patterns.
Splatter painting often encourages freedom in creativity, showing that art can emerge from what seems like chaos.

Science

In fluid dynamics, splatter patterns can help scientists understand how liquids behave upon impact.
Studies on splatter have applications in various fields, from forensic analysis to understanding blood spatter at crime scenes.
Physics explains that the size and spread of a splatter depend on factors like the speed and viscosity of the liquid involved.

Psychology

Engaging in splatter art is known to relieve stress, providing both a creative outlet and a form of playful chaos.
Children often enjoy messy play like splatter painting as it fosters creative thinking and exploration of textures.
Studies show that messy environments can enhance creative problem-solving by encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.

Pop Culture

Splatter elements are often seen in horror films, where vivid scenes mark intense moments.
Video games frequently use splatter visuals to give an exhilarating experience, particularly in action and combat genres.
Gastronomy has embraced splatter as a plating technique, creating visually striking dishes that engage diners' senses.

Origin of 'splatter'

Main points about word origin

The term 'splatter' comes from the Middle English word 'splat,' meaning to hit something and leave a mark.
Its first usage in print dates back to the late 19th century, showcasing a blend of sound and action.
The word paints a vivid picture, as it mimics the sound of something hitting a surface messily.

The word 'splatter' originated in the early 19th century as a combination of 'splash' and 'spatter'. It has been used predominantly in the context of art and design to describe the action of covering a surface with drops or blobs of a substance, or the resulting mark or pattern of liquid splashed or spattered. Over time, 'splatter' has become a popular term in various creative fields to convey a sense of energy and spontaneity in the application of materials.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,166 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33163 legerdemain
33164 zany
33165 upbraiding
33166 splatter
33167 theist
33168 agog
33169 gargoyle
...