charcoal-like
|char-coal-like|
🇺🇸
/ˈtʃɑrkoʊl laɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˈtʃɑːkəʊl laɪk/
resembling charcoal
Etymology
'charcoal-like' originates from Modern English compounding of 'charcoal' + the adjective-forming suffix '-like'; 'charcoal' itself comes from Middle English 'charcole' (from elements 'char' meaning to burn and 'coal'), and the suffix '-like' ultimately derives from Old English 'līc' meaning 'body, form'.
'charcoal-like' developed by combining the noun 'charcoal' (Middle English 'charcole') with the productive adjectival suffix '-like' (from Old English 'līc'), evolving in Early Modern English into the hyphenated descriptive adjective used in contemporary English.
Initially used to indicate having the physical properties of charcoal (composition or texture), the term broadened to describe color, texture, smell, and metaphorical resemblances in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling charcoal in color; very dark gray or blackish.
The living room was painted a charcoal-like gray that made the brass fixtures stand out.
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Adjective 2
having a texture or physical quality like charcoal (brittle, porous, or crumbly).
He examined a charcoal-like fragment that crumbled at the touch.
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Last updated: 2026/01/15 05:00