variegated

American  

[vair-ee-i-gey-tid, vair-i-gey-] / ˈvɛər i ɪˌgeɪ tɪd, ˈvɛər ɪˌgeɪ- /

adjective

1. varied in appearance or color; marked with patches or spots of different colors.

2. varied; diversified; diverse.

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variegated British  

/ ˈvɛərɪˌɡeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. displaying differently coloured spots, patches, streaks, etc

2. (of foliage or flowers) having pale patches, usually as a result of mutation, infection, etc

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Other Word Forms

• unvariegated adjective

Etymology

Origin of variegated

First recorded in 1655–65; variegate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

A short beach of gray-white sand led to the cliff edge, which rose, a great face of variegated rock, for fifty feet.

From Literature

Like his films, Mr. Sayles’s novels are divided among a teeming cast of variegated characters.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the warm L.A. day ebbs, the home’s expansive front window frames dense, variegated foliage falling into shadow.

From Los Angeles Times

At times, it feels like every actor is in a different movie, though the variegated tones come together in bone-rattling sound design and textured cinematography to create an incredibly arresting cinematic experience.

From Los Angeles Times

Waikiki reveals these striking colors earlier than other variegated colocasia.

From Seattle Times