speckle

Pronunciation: /ˈspɛkəl/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a small contrasting part of something
  2. verb produce a mottled effect
  3. verb mark with small spots

Etymology

The noun is from Middle Dutch spekkel; the verb was later coined from the noun, in the late 16th century.

In classic literature

Synonyms

spot, dapple, patch, fleck, maculation

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
marking
Narrower (hyponyms)
facula, macule, worn spot, plaque, speck, sunspot

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading

Nice save! Solidify it with review →