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mottle

 - 3 dictionary results

mot⋅tle

  [mot-l] verb, -tled, -tling, noun
Use mottle in a Sentence
–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
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To mottle
mot·tle   (mŏt'l)   
tr.v.   mot·tled, mot·tling, mot·tles
To mark with spots or blotches of different shades or colors.
n.  

  1. A spot or blotch of color.

  2. A variegated pattern, as on marble.


[Probably back-formation from motley.]
mot'tler n.
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

mottle 
1676, probably a back-formation from motley.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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