variegate

var·i·e·gate

[vair-ee-i-geyt, vair-i-geyt]
verb (used with object), var·i·e·gat·ed, var·i·e·gat·ing.
1.
to make varied in appearance, as by adding different colors.
2.
to give variety to; diversify.

Origin:
1645–55; < Late Latin variegātus (past participle of variegāre to make (something) look varied), equivalent to Latin vari(us) various + -eg- (combining form of agere to do; see agent) + -ātus -ate

var·i·e·ga·tor, noun
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World English Dictionary
variegate (ˈvɛərɪˌɡeɪt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to alter the appearance of, esp by adding different colours
2.  to impart variety to
 
[C17: from Late Latin variegāre, from Latin varius diverse, various + agere to make]
 
varie'gation
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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00:10
Variegate is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

variegate
"to mark with different colors," 1646 (implied in variegation), from L.L. variegatus "made of various sorts or colors," pp. of variegare "diversify with different colors," from varius "spotted, changing, varying" (see vary) + root of agere "to drive" (see act).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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