speckle

[ spek-uhl ]

noun

1. a small speck, spot, or mark, as on skin.
2. speckled coloring or marking.

verb (used with object)

, speck·led, speck·ling.

1. to mark with or as with speckles.

speckle

/ ˈspɛkəl /

noun

1. a small or slight mark usually of a contrasting colour, as on the skin, a bird's plumage, or eggs

verb

1. tr to mark with or as if with speckles

Derived Forms

• ˈspeckled, adjective

Other Words From

• speckled·ness noun
• un·speckled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speckle¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; speck, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of speckle¹

C15: from Middle Dutch spekkel; see speck

Example Sentences

Bans on kratom now speckle the country, including entire states like Alabama as well as California cities like San Diego and Newport Beach.

From Los Angeles Times

Imaging RPE cells with AO-OCT comes with new challenges, including a phenomenon called speckle.

From Science Daily

Speckle interferes with AO-OCT the way clouds interfere with aerial photography.

From Science Daily

Managing speckle is somewhat similar to managing cloud cover.

From Science Daily

As time passes, the speckle shifts, which allows different parts of the cells to become visible.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• mottle