encrusted
|en-crust-ed|
/ɛnˈkrʌst/
(encrust)
cover with a crust
Etymology
'encrust' originates from French, specifically the word 'encruster', where the prefix 'en-' meant 'in' and 'cruste' (from Latin 'crusta') meant 'crust' or 'shell'.
'encrust' changed from the French verb 'encruster' (and related Old French forms) and was adopted into English as 'encrust' (with past/p.p. 'encrusted').
Initially, it meant 'to cover with a crust or shell', but over time it also acquired senses of 'to ornament with inlaid materials' and the figurative sense 'to become firmly fixed/ingrained'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to cover (something) with a hard crust, deposit, or coating, often by natural processes (e.g., mineral deposits) or by accumulation.
The old pipes were encrusted with mineral deposits after years of hard water.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to ornament or inlay (an object) by covering it with decorative incrustations such as gems, metal, or shell.
The jeweler encrusted the brooch with small diamonds.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
covered or layered with a crust or hard deposit; having a surface coating.
The encrusted shell of the artifact made cleaning difficult.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/03 16:10