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Glite Dictionary
alligatoring

alligatoring

9.3
A pattern of small cracks on old paint or varnish that looks like alligator skin
  • noun
  • /ˌælɪˈɡeɪtərɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : craquelado
  • Restorers had to remove the old varnish because of severe alligatoring on the surface.

Examples

  • The wooden fence showed signs of alligatoring after years of harsh weather.

  • If you apply paint too thickly, alligatoring may develop as it dries.

  • The old paint showed signs of alligatoring.

  • We noticed alligatoring on the wooden fence.

  • The artist admired the alligatoring on the old canvas, which enhanced its vintage appearance.

  • The home renovation revealed significant alligatoring on the window frames due to years of sun exposure.

  • After years of neglect, the exterior paint showed severe alligatoring, necessitating a complete repaint.

Synonyms

craquelure
vsalligatoring
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A pattern of fine cracks on a painting or vase surface caused by age

is used for paint surfaces after aging or weathering rather than as art
crazing
vsalligatoring
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A network of very small cracks on the surface of pottery, glass, or painted objects

is about paint surfaces and weathering rather than pottery or glass

How Cracked

alligatoring
  • Specialized
9.3
crazing
  • Specialized
1 8.4
intactness
1 6.1

Surface Forms

alligatoring singular
alligatorings plural

Morphology

alligatoring = alligator (semi-transparent) = alligator + ing

The form is built from the verb 'alligator' plus -ing, but the cracking sense is a specialized metaphor based on resemblance to alligator skin.

Etymology

Alligatoring comes from the animal alligator because the cracked paint or varnish looks like an alligator's skin, and that's why alligatoring means a scaly 'pattern of cracks' on a surface caused by age or weather.