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Splatter: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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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?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "splatter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salpicar

🇮🇳 छिड़कना

🇩🇪 spritzen

🇮🇩 memercik

🇺🇦 розбризкувати

🇵🇱 prysnąć

🇯🇵 飛び散る

🇫🇷 éclabousser

🇪🇸 salpicar

🇹🇷 sıçratmak

🇰🇷 튀다

🇸🇦 رش

🇨🇿 stříkat

🇸🇰 striekať

🇨🇳 飞溅

🇸🇮 pršiti

🇮🇸 sprengja

🇰🇿 шашу

🇬🇪 გაფანტვა

🇦🇿 sıçratmaq

🇲🇽 salpicar

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.