stencil
UK: ˈstɛns(ə)l | US: ˈstɛns(ə)l
n. a thin sheet with a pattern or letters cut out, used to produce the design on a surface by applying ink or paint over it.
vt. to produce a design or lettering using a stencil.
stencil = stenc<mark, pierce> + il<diminutive suffix>
- stenc (from Old French estenceler, "to sparkle, mark," derived from Latin stinctilus, a variant of stinguere, "to quench, mark by pricking")
- il (diminutive suffix, often used in Old French to form nouns)
Etymology Origin:
The word stencil traces back to the Latin stinguere, meaning "to quench" or "to mark by pricking," which evolved into Old French estenceler, referring to marking or decorating surfaces. The diminutive suffix -il was added, giving rise to stencil as a tool for creating precise, repeatable designs. The modern sense of a perforated template emerged in the 18th century.
She used a stencil to paint the floral pattern on the wall.
The artist carefully cut out the letters from the stencil.
You can create uniform designs by spraying paint over a stencil.
The military uses stencils to label equipment quickly.
He stenciled his initials onto the toolbox.