ENCRUSTATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does encrustation mean? 

• ENCRUSTATION (noun)
  The noun ENCRUSTATION has 3 senses:

1. the formation of a crust

2. a hard outer layer that covers something

3. a decorative coating of contrasting material that is applied to a surface as an inlay or overlay

  Familiarity information: ENCRUSTATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ENCRUSTATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The formation of a crust

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

encrustation; incrustation

Hypernyms ("encrustation" is a kind of...):

formation (natural process that causes something to form)

Derivation:

encrust (form a crust or a hard layer)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A hard outer layer that covers something

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made)

Synonyms:

crust; encrustation; incrustation

Hypernyms ("encrustation" is a kind of...):

cover; covering; natural covering (a natural object that covers or envelops)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "encrustation"):

calculus; tartar; tophus (an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums)

Derivation:

encrust (form a crust or a hard layer)

encrust (cover or coat with a crust)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A decorative coating of contrasting material that is applied to a surface as an inlay or overlay

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

encrustation; incrustation

Hypernyms ("encrustation" is a kind of...):

decoration; ornament; ornamentation (something used to beautify)

Derivation:

encrust (decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems))