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crackle

 - 4 dictionary results

crack⋅le

[krak-uhl] verb, -led, -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).
–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.
11. crackleware.

Origin:
1490–1500; crack + -le

crack⋅le⋅ware

[krak-uhl-wair]
–noun
ceramic ware having a crackled glaze.
Also called crackle.


Origin:
1880–85; crackle + ware 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To crackle
crack·le   (krāk'əl)   
v.   crack·led, crack·ling, crack·les

v.   intr.
  1. To make a succession of slight sharp snapping noises: a fire crackling in the wood stove.

  2. To show liveliness, energy, or intensity: a book that crackles with humor.

  3. To become covered with a network of fine cracks; craze.

v.   tr.
  1. To crush (paper, for example) with sharp snapping sounds.

  2. To cause (china, for example) to become covered with a network of fine cracks.

n.  
  1. The act or sound of crackling.

    1. A network of fine cracks on the surface of glazed pottery, china, or glassware.

    2. Crackleware.


[Frequentative of crack.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

crackle  (v.)
c.1560, crackelen, frequentative of cracken "to crack." The noun is recorded from 1833.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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