Streaked Meaning: Definition and Examples

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streaked

[striːkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

animal description

Having lines, bands, or marks of a different color or texture.

Synonyms

streaky, striped, variegated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
streaked

Appropriate for describing something with long, thin marks or lines, mainly used for markings that are not consistent or uniform.

  • The child streaked the wall with different colors
  • Her hair was naturally streaked with silver
striped

Best for describing patterns with consistent, parallel lines of contrasting color, frequently used in fashion or describing animals' fur.

  • She wore a striped dress to the party
  • The zebra is known for its distinctive black and white striped pattern
streaky

Commonly used to describe surfaces that have uneven, blotchy lines or patterns, often implying an imperfect or unclean appearance.

  • The window was left streaky after cleaning
  • He noticed his shirt had become streaky with sweat
variegated

Used for items or surfaces that have different colors, often in patches or irregular patterns, frequently associated with plants or textiles.

  • The garden was full of variegated plants
  • The painter used variegated shades to add depth to the mural

Examples of usage

  • The tiger had streaked fur, blending in with the tall grass.
  • The bird's wings were streaked with white and brown.
  • The snake had a streaked pattern on its scales.
Context #2 | Verb

action description

To move very quickly in a specified direction or manner.

Synonyms

dash, speed, zoom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
streaked

Use when describing an object or person moving very swiftly, often leaving a blur because of the speed. This can also imply moving with a striking or noticeable effect.

  • He streaked across the field to make the winning goal
  • The comet streaked through the night sky
dash

Use when referring to a sudden, quick movement, often in short bursts, typically to achieve something in urgency or excitement. It can also imply a hurried or vigorous action.

  • She dashed to catch the bus
  • He made a dash for the finish line
speed

This is generally used to describe the rate at which someone or something moves or operates. It can refer to any range of speeds, from slow to fast, but emphasizes the act of moving quickly.

  • The car's speed increased as it moved down the highway
  • She spoke with incredible speed during the presentation
zoom

Use when indicating rapid movement, often with a sense of excitement or high energy. It's typically associated with vehicles or flying objects.

  • The airplane zoomed over the city
  • He zoomed past everyone on his bicycle

Examples of usage

  • The car streaked down the highway, leaving a trail of dust.
  • The athlete streaked across the finish line, winning the race.

Interesting Facts

Art and Aesthetics

  • Many famous artists, like Jackson Pollock, used streaking techniques to create dynamic, textured compositions.
  • In photography, streaking can create dramatic effects, especially in long-exposure shots capturing motion.

Nature and Science

  • Streaks can be seen in nature, like the trails left by meteors when they enter the Earth's atmosphere.
  • In the animal kingdom, certain species, like the streaked tenrec from Madagascar, are named for their distinctive markings that help them blend into their environment.

Sports

  • In athletics, a 'streak' can refer to a series of consecutive wins or achievements, showcasing consistency and excellence.
  • Athletes often strive to have β€˜streaks’ in their performances, adding excitement to competitions.

Pop Culture

  • In TV shows and films, characters may reference 'streaking' humorously, often relating to running naked in a funny setting.
  • The phrase 'streaked with' has also become popular in lyrics and poetry, symbolizing various emotions or experiences.

Origin of 'streaked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Old English word 'strica,' meaning a stripe or line.
  • In the early 1800s, the word began to describe not just physical lines but also figurative ones, like 'streaked with emotion.'

The word 'streaked' originated from the Middle English word 'streken', which means 'to move quickly'. Over time, the meaning of 'streaked' evolved to include the description of lines or bands of different colors or textures. The word is commonly used in the context of describing animals with distinctive markings.


See also: streak, streaking, streaks, streaky.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,207, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.