fleck

[flek]

noun

1. a speck; a small bit.

   a fleck of dirt.

2. a spot or small patch of color, light, etc..

   the dapple mare with flecks of gray.

3. a spot or mark on the skin, as a freckle.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark with a fleck or flecks; spot; dapple.

   Synonyms: daub, speck, dot, spatter, bespeckle

fleck

/ flɛk /

noun

1. a small marking or streak; speckle

2. a small particle; speck

   a fleck of dust

verb

1. Also: flecker. (tr) to mark or cover with flecks; speckle

Other Word Forms

• fleckless adjective
• flecklessly adverb
• flecky adjective
• unflecked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleck¹

1350–1400; Middle English flekked spotted; akin to Old Norse flekkr spot, streak, Old High German flec ( German Fleck ), Middle Low German, Middle Dutch vlecken to soil

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleck¹

C16: probably from Old Norse flekkr stain, spot; related to Old High German flec spot, plot of land

Example Sentences

When Dennis finally snaps after being served a version disturbingly flecked with meat, his spiral is operatic.

Read more on Salon

The chewy morsels come sopping in soy sauce and flecked with chile flakes, with a rich and juicy meat filling.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A real pan with flecks of red is at her feet, and his painted legs are upended into the real fridge-freezer that Banksy left by the wall.

Read more on BBC

Recognizing himself on the screen, Matt smiled widely, flecks of green dotting his sweaty face.

Read more on New York Times

Her resulting pumpkin blondies — flecked with dark chocolate chips and sea salt — are the perfect solution for holiday bakers who are low on time, but excited to capture seasonal flavors.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• speck 
• stripe