Skip to main content
marmorean

marmorean

9.9
Looks and feels like marble
  • adjective
  • /mɑːrˈmɔːriən/
  • Literature
translation icon : marmóreo
  • Her skin had a marmorean quality, smooth and pale.

Examples

  • The statue had a marmorean sheen that made it almost lifelike.

  • The architect selected tiles with a marmorean finish for the grand foyer.

  • Her expression was cold and marmorean, betraying no emotion.

  • The statue had a marmorean sheen that caught the light beautifully.

  • The statue had a marmorean sheen that made it look as if it were carved from marble.

  • The architect selected tiles with a marmorean finish to evoke the elegance of marble in the home.

  • Her skin had a marmorean quality, smooth and luminous like polished marble.

Synonyms

marbled
vsmarmorean
1 4.4

Having streaks and veins of another color, like marble or fat in meat

is about general resemblance in appearance or texture rather than specific veining patterns
marmoreal
vsmarmorean
  • Literature
9.9

Smooth and pale like a statue carved from marble

is broader, covering general appearance or texture rather than named physical traits
marbly
vsmarmorean
7.0

Having a smooth surface with streaks like marble

is broader, also meaning relating to or characteristic beyond just appearance
marbleized
vsmarmorean
  • US
6.5

Having streaks or swirls of color like real marble

is more general, referring to overall appearance or texture not only pattern
marmorated
vsmarmorean
  • Specialized
9.5

Having a surface like marble with light and dark lines

is about resemblance or texture rather than the actual material

How Marble-Like

marmorean
  • Literature
9.9
marbled
1 4.4
veined
4.4

Surface Forms

marmorean positive

Morphology

marmorean = marble (semi-transparent) = marmor + ean

Meaning 'of or like marble' is clear, but the stem 'marmor-' differs from the common English form 'marble', which may obscure the connection for learners.

Etymology

The word marmorean comes from an old word for marble, which means 'hard, shiny stone'. So, something marmorean looks or feels like marble: cold, smooth and bright, which is why we describe faces, statues, or floors as marmorean.