stucco
UK: ˈstʌkəʊ | US: ˈstʌkoʊ
n. A fine plaster used for coating wall surfaces or molding into architectural decorations.
n. A material resembling plaster, applied to exterior walls for texture or decoration.
The word "stucco" originates from Italian stucco, meaning "plaster" or "coating," which itself derives from Old High German stucchi ("crust" or "fragment"). The Italian term was adopted into English in the 16th century to describe the decorative plasterwork popular in Renaissance architecture. The morpheme "stucc" preserves the core idea of a hardened coating, while the "-o" suffix reflects its Italian origin. The word's evolution mirrors the transfer of architectural techniques from Italy to broader European use.
The villa's facade was adorned with intricate stucco designs.
Traditional stucco requires a mixture of lime, sand, and water.
The artisan applied stucco to the ceiling to create a textured finish.
Modern stucco often includes synthetic additives for durability.
Restoration efforts revealed original stucco beneath layers of paint.