stipple
UK: ˈstɪp(ə)l | US: ˈstɪpəl
vt. to engrave, draw, or paint with small dots or short strokes
n. a pattern or effect created by small dots or short strokes
stipple = stip<point> + ple<frequentative suffix>
- stip<point>: Derived from Dutch stippen (to dot), related to stip (dot, point).
- ple<frequentative suffix>: A suffix indicating repeated or small-scale action (similar to -le in dazzle or sparkle).
Etymology Origin:
The word stipple originates from Dutch stippen, meaning "to dot." The frequentative suffix -le was added in English to emphasize the repetitive action of creating small dots or strokes. This reflects the technique's artistic and engraving applications, where precision and repetition are key.
The artist used a fine brush to stipple the background with tiny dots.
Stippling is a common technique in pen-and-ink drawings.
The engraver stippled the metal plate to create shading effects.
Her stipple work added texture to the illustration.
The wallpaper design features a subtle stipple pattern.