wrinkling

The child is wrinkling her nose at the smell of broccoli.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The formation of creases or folds: "wrinkling" refers to the process or result of developing small, irregular folds or creases on a surface, such as fabric, paper, or skin.
   • A wrinkle or set of wrinkles: "wrinkling" can also denote the actual creases or folds that appear.

2. Verb (present participle of wrinkle):

   • To form creases or folds: The action of causing or developing small, irregular lines or folds on a surface.
   • To become creased or puckered: The process of a surface developing wrinkles, often due to pressure, age, or drying.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The wrinkling of the old photograph was a sign of its age. (The formation of creases on the photo.)
  • She noticed the wrinkling around her eyes in the mirror. (The appearance of fine lines on the skin.)

• Verb:

  • The paper was wrinkling as it dried in the sun. (The paper was forming creases.)
  • He kept wrinkling his forehead in confusion. (He was repeatedly making creases on his forehead.)

Advanced Usage

• "Wrinkling of the skin": A natural process of aging, where the skin loses elasticity and forms creases.

  • Excessive sun exposure accelerates the wrinkling of the skin. (Sunlight speeds up the development of wrinkles.)

• "Wrinkling of fabric": Unwanted creases that appear on clothing or textiles.

  • The wrinkling of the linen shirt required careful ironing. (The creases on the shirt needed to be smoothed out.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wrinkle (n/v): The base word meaning a small crease or fold, or the act of forming one.
  • There was a wrinkle in the carpet. (A crease on the floor covering.)
• Wrinkled (adj): Having wrinkles; creased.
  • His wrinkled hands showed his age. (His hands had many creases.)
• Wrinkle-free (adj): Not prone to forming wrinkles, often used for fabrics.
  • This shirt is wrinkle-free, so it needs no ironing. (The shirt stays smooth.)

Synonyms

• Creasing: The formation of lines or folds, often in paper or fabric.
• Puckering: The gathering of material into small folds or wrinkles, especially in sewing.
• Furrowing: The development of deep lines, especially on the forehead.

Phrasal Verbs

• Wrinkle up: To cause to form wrinkles by contracting or gathering.
  • She wrinkled up her nose at the bad smell. (She made her nose crease in disgust.)
• Wrinkle out: To remove wrinkles or creases, typically by smoothing or ironing.
  • He tried to wrinkle out the creases from his trousers. (He attempted to remove the wrinkles.)

Related Idioms

• Wrinkle the surface: To create a minor disturbance or change in a situation.
  • The new policy wrinkled the surface of the company's operations. (The policy caused small changes.)
• Not a wrinkle in sight: A phrase meaning something is perfectly smooth or untroubled.
  • After ironing, not a wrinkle in sight on the tablecloth. (The cloth was completely smooth.)