marbling
[ mahr-bling ]
/ ˈmɑr blɪŋ /
noun
the act, process, or art of coloring or staining in imitation of variegated marble.
an appearance like that of variegated marble.
the intermixture of fat with lean in a cut of meat, which contributes to flavor and tenderness.
Bookbinding. marblelike decoration on the paper edges, lining, or binding boards of a book.
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Nearby words
marbled white, marblehead, marbleize, marbles, marblewood, marbling, marbly, marburg, marburg disease, marburg virus, marburg virus disease
Definition for marbling (2 of 2)
marble
[ mahr-buh l ]
/ ˈmɑr bəl /
noun
adjective
verb (used with object), mar·bled, mar·bling.
to color or stain like variegated marble.
to apply a decorative pattern to (paper, the edges of a book, etc.) by transferring oil pigments floating on water.
Origin of marble
1150–1200; Middle English marbel, dissimilated variant of Old English marmel (in marmelstān marble stone) < Latin marmor < Greek mármaros, akin to marmaírein to sparkle
Related forms
mar·bler, nounun·mar·bled, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for marbling
British Dictionary definitions for marbling (1 of 2)
marbling
/ (ˈmɑːblɪŋ) /
noun
a mottled effect or pattern resembling marble
such an effect obtained by transferring floating colours from a bath of gum solution
the streaks of fat in lean meat
British Dictionary definitions for marbling (2 of 2)
marble
/ (ˈmɑːbəl) /
noun
verb
(tr) to mottle with variegated streaks in imitation of marble
adjective
cold, hard, or unresponsive
white like some kinds of marble
See also marbles
Derived Forms
marbled, adjectivemarbler, nounmarbly, adjectiveWord Origin for marble
C12: via Old French from Latin marmor, from Greek marmaros, related to Greek marmairein to gleam
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Science definitions for marbling
marble
[ mär′bəl ]
A metamorphic rock consisting primarily of calcite and dolomite. Marble is formed by the metamorphism of limestone. Although it is usually white to gray in color, it often has irregularly colored marks due to the presence of impurities such as silica and clay. Marble is used especially in sculpture and as a building material.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Idioms and Phrases with marbling
marble
see have all one's buttons (marbles).
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.