marbling

IPA/ˈmɑːblɪŋ/
IPA/ˈmɑːrblɪŋ/

marbling — noun

1. decorative wavy lines or coloured markings that resemble the surface of polished

1.名詞C1
釋義

decorative wavy lines or coloured markings that resemble the surface of polished marble stone, or the craft technique used to create such a pattern on paper, fabric, ceramics, or other materials.

例句

The bookbinder used traditional marbling to decorate the endpapers of the leather-bound volume.

marbling + to decorate — purpose of the decorative technique

Naoko admired the delicate blue-and-white marbling on the ceramic vase her grandmother had made.

同義詞
  • veining

    specifically refers to thin, vein-like lines; more common in geology and stone descriptions than in craft contexts

  • grain

    describes the natural texture or pattern of wood or stone, not a decorative technique applied by a craftsperson

文法句型

marbling + on [surface]

paper / fabric marbling

用法筆記

Uncountable when referring to the technique or general pattern. Can be used countably (e.g., 'different marblings') when referring to specific instances or styles of the pattern.

2. the thin white streaks of fat that are spread evenly through a cut of raw meat,

2.名詞B2
釋義

the thin white streaks of fat that are spread evenly through a cut of raw meat, especially beef, making the meat tender and flavourful when cooked.

例句

The chef pointed to the fine marbling in the ribeye, promising a juicy and tender steak.

marbling in [cut of meat] — locating the fat streaks

Hamza chose the cut with the most marbling, knowing the fat would melt into the meat during grilling.

同義詞
  • intramuscular fat

    the scientific term for the same thing; far more formal and uncommon in everyday conversation

  • finish

    a rancher's or butcher's term for the overall fat coverage on a carcass, not just the streaks inside the muscle

文法句型

marbling + in [cut of meat]

with / without marbling

用法筆記

Primarily used in evaluating meat quality; more marbling generally means a richer flavour and softer texture, though some lean cuts are preferred for health reasons. Frequently paired with adjectives like 'fine', 'even', 'heavy', or 'rich'.

常見錯誤

❌This steak has a lot of marble.
✅This steak has a lot of marbling.
💡'marble' is the stone; 'marbling' is the fat distribution in meat.