Crossword clues for vermiculation
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Vermiculation \Ver*mic`u*la"tion\, n. [L. vermiculatio a being worm-eaten.]
The act or operation of moving in the manner of a worm; continuation of motion from one part to another; as, the vermiculation, or peristaltic motion, of the intestines.
The act of vermiculating, or forming or inlaying so as to resemble the motion, track, or work of a worm.
Penetration by worms; the state of being wormeaten.
(Zo["o]l.) A very fine wavy crosswise color marking, or a patch of such markings, as on the feathers of birds.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1610s, from Latin vermiculationem (nominative vermiculatio), noun of action from vermiculari, from vermiculus (see vermicular).
Wiktionary
n. 1 A pattern of irregular wavy lines. 2 (lb en medicine dated) peristalsis.
WordNet
n. the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along [syn: peristalsis] [ant: anastalsis]
a decoration consisting of wormlike carvings
Wikipedia
Vermiculation is a surface pattern of dense but irregular lines, so called from the Latin vermiculus meaning "little worm", because the shapes resemble worms, worm-casts or worm tracks in mud or wet sand. The word may be used in a number of contexts, for patterns that have little in common. The adjective vermiculated is more often used than the noun.
Vermiculation naturally occurs in patterns on a wide variety of species, for example in the feathers of certain birds, for which it may provide either camouflage, or decoration. Several species are named for this trait, either in English or by the Latin vermicularis.
It also appears in architecture as a form of rustication where the stone is cut with a pattern of wandering lines. In metalwork, vermiculation is used to form a type of background found in Romanesque enamels, especially on chasse reliquary caskets. In this case the term is used for what is in fact a dense pattern of regular ornament using plant forms and tendrils. In Ancient Roman mosaics Opus vermiculatum was the most detailed technique, and pieces are often described as "vermiculated" in English.
Usage examples of "vermiculation".
He did not bring those uncouth vermiculations to a stop until he was well back in the shelter of a rusty capstan, cut off from the light by a lifeboat swinging on its davits.
From a blue horizon, dulled and almost obliterated by long, jagged layers of steely clouds, came the ceaseless rush of deep-chested waves, as even, as fascinating as the vermiculations of a serpent.