mottle - Definitions from Dictionary.com

6 results for: mottle

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

mot·tle

Audio Help [mot-l] Pronunciation Key verb, -tled, -tling, noun

–verb (used with object)

1.	to mark or diversify with spots or blotches of a different color or shade.

–noun

2.	a diversifying spot or blotch of color.

3.	mottled coloring or pattern.

[Origin: 1670–80; prob. back formation from motley

]

—Related forms

mot·tle·ment, noun

mottler, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
mottle

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

mot·tle Audio Help   (mŏt'l) Pronunciation Key
tr.v.   mot·tled, mot·tling, mot·tles
To mark with spots or blotches of different shades or colors.

n.

A spot or blotch of color.
A variegated pattern, as on marble.

[Probably back-formation from motley.]

mot'tler n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
mottle

1676, probably a back-formation from motley.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

mottle
noun
1.	an irregular arrangement of patches of color; "it was not dull grey as distance had suggested, but a mottle of khaki and black and olive-green"
verb
1.	mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained
2.	colour with streaks or blotches of different shades

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Mottle

Mot"ley\, a. [OE. mottelee, motle; cf. OF. mattel['e] clotted, curdled, OF, ciel mattonn['e] a mottled sky, mate, maton, curdled milk, Prov. G. matte curd. Cf. Mottle.]

1. Variegated in color; consisting of different colors; dappled; party-colored; as, a motley coat.

2. Wearing motley or party-colored clothing. See Motley, n., 1. "A motley fool." --Shak.

3. Composed of different or various parts; heterogeneously made or mixed up; discordantly composite; as, motley style. --Byron.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Mottle

Mot"tle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mottled; p. pr. & vb. n. Mottling.] [From Mottled.] To mark with spots of different color, or shades of color, as if stained; to spot; to maculate.

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