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coat

coat

62 2.5
A thin layer of material spread over a surface
  • noun
  • /koʊt/
: capa
  • Could use a new coat of paint and a new roof, and a lot of other things.
  • coat of paint
  • apply a coat
  • coat of varnish

Grey drywall accepts a coat of moonless midnight sable.

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Examples

  • Pour the sauce over the beef, stir to coat, and let marinate for 20 minutes.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Put a fresh coat of varnish on your peg right here.

  • This is the best base coat I have ever used.

  • A nice thin coat will really do its job.

  • Our last tenant was a little messy, but we're gonna put a fresh new coat of paint on this whole place.

  • We see his hand as he delicately applies a coat of clear polish to a nail.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Wrinkle pattern formed by a coat of varnish on a wooden surface.

    Academic text (2003)
  • I gave the wall a new coat of paint to brighten up the room.

  • After applying a thin coat of wax, the surface looked shiny and smooth.

  • She made sure to spread a light coat of oil evenly across the frying pan.

Synonyms

layer
vscoat
373 2.0

A thin sheet of material that covers a surface

is a thin spread substance rather than any thickness
skin
vscoat
52 1.0

A thin outer layer on an object that protects it and gives its look

is an applied thin layer rather than an inherent outer covering
coating
vscoat
32 3.4

A layer of material that covers a surface to protect or decorate it

is a thin spread layer without implied purpose
film
vscoat
32 3.2

A thin layer that covers a surface to protect it

is a thin spread substance rather than an ultra thin sheet
coat of paint
vscoat
18 2.3

A single layer of paint that covers a surface

is a thin spread layer not specific to paint
mist coat
vscoat
  • UK
4.7

A thin, watery paint layer applied before the final coat to help it stick

is a thin spread layer not necessarily preparatory

Idioms

To spend only what you can afford

Change which person or group you support for your own benefit

Compounds

30 2.5

A warm coat made from animal hair to wear in cold weather

27 3.1

A long waterproof coat with a belt and deep pockets, often worn in a military style

27 2.1

A long white coat worn over clothes in a laboratory to protect them from spills and chemicals

18 2.3

A single layer of paint that covers a surface

13 1.0

A frame like human shoulders for hanging coats to keep their shape

11 3.4

A light men's jacket not part of a suit, often with patterns

8 4.9

An expensive warm coat made from soft shiny mink fur

8 6.8

A special design on a shield that identifies a family, state, or organization

6 1.0

A stand with hooks for hanging coats and hats

A new layer of paint that makes a surface look newer

4 1.0

A thick piece of clothing worn to keep you warm in cold weather

4 1.0

A small space for hanging coats and jackets

4 3.2

A lightweight jacket for smart casual occasions, often with one row of buttons

frock coat
  • Archaic
2 9.9

A formal coat for men with skirts that reach the knees, common in the 1800s

1 8.9

A very expensive coat made from soft dark fur of a small wild animal

1 1.1

A small round piece that fastens a coat

1 8.5

A man's formal jacket with long tails and a front cut away worn for daytime events

1 1.6

A long coat with a hood you can pull over your head to keep warm or dry

1 2.3

A piece of furniture with a tall pole and hooks for hanging coats

A warm coat made from sheep skin with the wool still attached

tail coat
  • Formal
1 4.5

A formal evening jacket for men with a short front and long tails at the back

primer coat
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A thin first layer of paint that helps later paint stick and last longer

1 3.6

A warm thick coat with a hood and wooden toggle buttons that usually reaches the knees

coat of mail
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A piece of clothing with small metal rings linked together that protects the body in battle

1 5.5

A temporary rise in blood pressure when a person is at the doctor's office

1 2.5

A tall stand with hooks for hanging coats and hats

finish coat
  • Specialized
1 5.0

The last layer of paint or varnish that makes a surface smooth and look complete

seed coat
  • Specialized
1 3.6

An outer covering of a seed that protects the young plant inside

1 7.9

A man's hip-length coat with a straight back that forms the jacket of a suit

A garden plant that lives for many years and has large bright leaves of red, yellow, and green

flat coat
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A first thin layer of paint you apply before the final layers

1 7.5

A short heavy wool coat with a red and black plaid pattern that people wear outdoors to keep warm

A formal men's jacket with a cut-away front and two long tails worn for evening events

laboratory coat
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A light protective piece of clothing worn over clothes in a lab

finishing coat
  • Specialized
1 4.0

The last layer of paint or varnish that makes a surface look complete

1 4.7

A long loose piece of clothing you wear over other clothes to protect them from dust

priming coat
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A first layer of paint that prepares a surface for later coats

1 4.6

A short loose-fitting coat that hangs straight from the shoulders

brunch coat
  • Archaic
9.0

A short informal housecoat women wear at home over other clothes

choroid coat
  • Specialized
8.8

A dark layer with many blood vessels between the retina and the white of the eye that stops light scattering

coat-of-mail shell
  • Specialized
9.9

A sea animal with eight overlapping hard plates that clings to rocks

A new layer of wax put on a surface to make it shine

4.7

A thin, watery paint layer applied before the final coat to help it stick

sclerotic coat
  • Specialized
8.1

A thick white outer layer of the eye that protects its inner parts

4.8

A rise in blood pressure at the doctor's office caused by feeling nervous

How Thick

buildup
57 3.1
coating
32 3.4
coat
62 2.5
film
32 3.2

Surface Forms

coat singular
coats plural

Etymology

Coat is also used for a thin layer because people thought of the layer as 'clothing' for an object, like a paint coat that covers a surface. That's why a coat of varnish or frosting means a single covering layer.