crack·le

[krak-uhl] verb, crack·led, crack·ling, noun
verb (used without object)
1.
to make slight, sudden, sharp noises, rapidly repeated.
2.
to form a network of fine cracks on the surface.
3.
(of ceramic glaze) to craze.
4.
to exhibit liveliness, vibrancy, anticipation, etc.: The play crackled with wit.
verb (used with object)
5.
to cause to crackle.
6.
to break with a crackling noise.
7.
to craze (ceramic glaze).
00:10
Crackle is one of our favorite verbs.
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to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.
noun
8.
the act of crackling.
9.
a crackling noise.
10.
a network of fine cracks, as in the glaze of some kinds of porcelain.

Origin:
1490–1500; crack + -le

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
crackle (ˈkrækəl) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to make or cause to make a series of slight sharp noises, as of paper being crushed or of a wood fire burning
2.  (tr) to decorate (porcelain or pottery) by causing a fine network of cracks to appear in the glaze
3.  (intr) to abound in vivacity or energy
 
n
4.  the act or sound of crackling
5.  intentional crazing in the glaze of a piece of porcelain or pottery
6.  Also called: crackleware porcelain or pottery so decorated

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

crackle
c.1560, crackelen, frequentative of cracken "to crack." The noun is recorded from 1833.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
The translucent glaze has a slight iridescence and a barely perceptible fine
  crackle.
He creates tension with the frame, knowing that the same crackle that fuels
  drama can also energize comedy.
Sometimes, they played with phosphorus-laden dirt that exploded with a crackle
  when lumps of it were thrown to the ground.
The crackle of snow under your boots and the crisp feel of the air as you
  breathe in deeply.
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