crackle

views updated May 29 2018

crack·le / ˈkrakəl/ • v. [intr.] make a rapid succession of slight cracking noises: the fire suddenly crackled and spat sparks. ∎ fig. give a sense of great tension or animation: attraction and antagonism were crackling between them.• n. 1. a sound made up of a rapid succession of slight cracking sounds.2. a pattern of minute surface cracks on painted or varnished surfaces, glazed ceramics, or glass.DERIVATIVES: crack·ly / ˈkrak(ə)lē/ adj.

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