crackled

The old porcelain vase crackled with a fine web of lines.

Definition

1. Verb (past tense of crackle):

   • To make a series of short, sharp, snapping sounds: "crackled" describes the sound produced when something breaks, burns, or undergoes rapid expansion, like dry leaves underfoot or a fire.
   • To become covered with a network of fine cracks: In ceramics or glass, "crackled" refers to a surface that has developed a pattern of tiny, hairline cracks, often intentionally for decorative effect.

2. Adjective:

   • Having a surface marked with fine, irregular cracks: Used to describe pottery, porcelain, or glass with a crackled glaze.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • The dry leaves crackled beneath our feet as we walked through the forest. (Made a series of snapping sounds.)
  • The old porcelain vase had crackled after years of use. (Developed fine cracks on its surface.)

• Adjective:

  • She admired the crackled finish on the antique teacup. (The surface had a network of fine cracks.)

Advanced Usage

• "crackled with energy": To be full of intense, electric activity or excitement.

  • The air crackled with tension before the announcement. (The atmosphere was charged with nervous energy.)

• "crackled voice": A voice that sounds rough or broken, as if from age or emotion.

  • His voice crackled as he told the old story. (His voice was hoarse and uneven.)

Variants and Related Words

• Crackle (n): the sound or pattern of cracking.

  • The fire gave a loud crackle. (A sharp, snapping sound.)

• Crackling (adj): making a series of sharp sounds.

  • The crackling fire warmed the room. (Producing a continuous snapping noise.)

Synonyms

• Snapped: made a sudden, sharp sound.
• Popped: made a small explosive sound.
• Cracked: broke with a sharp sound; developed fissures.

Related Idioms

• "crackle and pop": Used to describe the sound of burning wood or static electricity.

  • The radio emitted a crackle and pop before going silent. (A series of sharp, irregular sounds.)

• "crackled like old parchment": Describes something that is dry, brittle, and full of tiny cracks.

  • The ancient letter crackled like old parchment when unfolded. (Made a dry, snapping sound.)