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uncaulked

uncaulked

9.1
Having small open gaps that let water or air pass
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnˈkɔːkt/
translation icon : sin sellar
  • Water seeped into the basement through the uncaulked gaps around the window frames.

Examples

  • At night, one was awakened by the cold pressing in through cracks in the uncaulked windows and then lay there thinking about how the windows should have been caulked, and about the boat, which might be iced over any night.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • And now here she was, trying to keep warm in the big, wide scene of the crime, listening to sleet peck at the frosted-over windows and wind slam them around in their uncaulked sockets, trying not to think about Jay and Nicole.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • The house was chilly because of the uncaulked windows letting in drafts.

  • It is important to inspect the uncaulked areas to prevent leaks during the rainy season.

Synonyms

unchinked
vsuncaulked
  • Specialized
9.9

Having gaps between logs that let cold air in

is about gaps left unfilled with sealant allowing air or water through
unsealed
vsuncaulked
3.1

Not closed or fastened so it is open

is specifically about gaps left unfilled allowing air or water through

Antonyms

caulked
  • Specialized
5.8

A joint with cracks filled to stop water or air getting in

2.5

Closed and covered to stop water or air getting in

How Sealed

sealed
2.5
caulked
  • Specialized
5.8
uncaulked
9.1
unsealed
3.1
to open
1.0

Surface Forms

uncaulked positive

Morphology

uncaulked = caulked + caulk (transparent) = un + caulk + ed

The prefix 'un-' productively negates the past-participle/adjective 'caulked' to give the straightforward meaning 'not sealed'.

Etymology

The word uncaulked is made from un- ('not') and caulk ('to fill gaps and make watertight'), so uncaulked means 'not sealed' — its joints or seams are left open and water or air can come through.