putty

¹

[puht-ee]

noun

plural

putties 

1. a compound of whiting and linseed oil, of a doughlike consistency when fresh, used to secure windowpanes, patch woodwork defects, etc.

2. any of various other compounds used for similar purposes.

3. any of various substances for sealing the joints of tubes or pipes, composed of linseed oil with red lead, white lead, iron oxide, etc.

4. a creamy mixture of lime and water, partially dried and mixed with sand and plaster of Paris to make a finish plaster coat.

5. putty powder.

6. any person or thing easily molded, influenced, etc..

   We were putty in his hands.

7. light brownish- or yellowish-gray.

verb (used with object)

puttied, puttying 

1. to secure, cover, etc., with putty.

putty

²

[puht-ee]

noun

plural

putties 

1. puttee.

putty

/ ˈpʌtɪ /

noun

1. a stiff paste made of whiting and linseed oil that is used to fix glass panes into frames and to fill cracks or holes in woodwork, etc

2. any substance with a similar consistency, function, or appearance

3. a mixture of lime and water with sand or plaster of Paris used on plaster as a finishing coat

4. ( as modifier )

   a putty knife

5. See putty powder

6. a person who is easily influenced or persuaded

   he's putty in her hands

7. 1. a colour varying from a greyish-yellow to a greyish-brown or brownish-grey

   2. ( as adjective )

      putty-coloured

8. informal,  worthless or useless

verb

1. (tr) to fix, fill, or coat with putty

Other Word Forms

• unputtied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of putty¹

First recorded in 1625–35, putty is from the French word potée, literally, (something) potted. See pot ¹, -ee

Word History and Origins

Origin of putty¹

C17: from French potée a potful

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. up to putty, worthless or useless.

Example Sentences

The business of the North American Toy Fair, an annual showcase of the latest in silly putty, monster trucks and board games, is fun.

From BBC

“I make just over $40,000 a year; scrape s—- off toilets with a putty knife nearly every day,” Chmura wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

But he’s carnal putty in her hands, leaving the impression of a good guy with a big id and no spine.

From Los Angeles Times

Tucked inside Aardman’s putty preoccupations is a potent philosophical statement about the irreplaceable quality of the human touch.

From Los Angeles Times

But after so many years in the business, Griffin understands how to maneuver her audience and keep them molded in her hands like putty.

From Salon

Related Words

• docile 
• flexible 
• limber 
• malleable 
• manageable 
• pliant 
• spongy 
• supple