alligatored

Thân thiện

The old wooden door has an alligatored coat of paint.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a cracked or checked surface resembling alligator hide: Used specifically to describe paint or varnish that has dried and cracked in a pattern similar to the skin of an alligator. This is typically a sign of aging, damage, or improper application.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The old barn door was alligatored from decades of sun and rain.
  • If you apply the varnish too thickly, it may become alligatored as it dries.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Descriptive Use: The term is highly specific to the field of painting, finishing, and restoration. It describes a particular type of finish failure.
  • The conservator noted the alligatored lacquer on the antique frame, indicating it needed careful stripping.

Variants and Related Words

• Alligatoring (n): The process or result of becoming alligatored; the cracked pattern itself.
  • The alligatoring on the painting's surface was quite severe.

Synonyms

• Cracked: Broken without complete separation of parts.
• Checked: Covered with a pattern of small cracks.
• Crazed: Covered with a fine network of cracks (often used for ceramics or glass, but sometimes for finishes).

Antonyms

• Smooth: Having an even and regular surface.
• Intact: Not damaged or impaired in any way.
• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.

Notes on Meaning

• The word is derived from the noun "alligator," due to the visual resemblance of the cracked surface to reptile skin. It is almost exclusively used as a descriptive adjective for surfaces, particularly man-made coatings.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of paint or varnish; having the appearance of alligator hide

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cracked