alligatoring
|al-li-ga-tor-ing|
/ˈælɪˌɡeɪtərɪŋ/
(alligator)
large reptile
Etymology
'alligatoring' originates from the word 'alligator', which comes from the Spanish word 'el lagarto', meaning 'the lizard'.
'el lagarto' transformed into the English word 'alligator', and eventually the term 'alligatoring' was coined to describe a specific pattern of cracking.
Initially, 'alligator' referred to the reptile, but 'alligatoring' evolved to describe a pattern resembling the reptile's skin.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a pattern of cracking on a surface resembling the skin of an alligator, often seen in paint or coatings.
The old paint on the wall showed signs of alligatoring.
Synonyms
Verb 1
present participle of 'alligator', meaning to develop a pattern of cracks resembling alligator skin.
The paint is alligatoring due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Last updated: 2025/06/26 23:36