English Explanatory Dictionary

mottle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To mark with blotches of different color, or shades of color, as if stained; to spot; to maculate.
noun
  1. A distinguishing blotch of colour.
  2. A mottled or spotted pattern.
  3. Any of several species of genus Logania of butterflies, found from Burma to the Philippines and New Guinea.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɒt.əl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-mottle.wav mǒt'l /ˈmɑ.təl/ [ˈmɑ.ɾɫ̩] LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-mottle.wav

Word forms

mottle mottles mottling mottled

Etymology

1670-80. Probably back-formation from motley.

Derived words

dark mottle leaf mottle yellows Malayan mottle mottlement mottler pale mottle rounded mottle
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