marl

Meaning

Noun

A mixed earthy substance, consisting of carbonate of lime, clay, and possibly sand, in very variable proportions, and accordingly designated as calcareous, clayey, or sandy.

Verb

To cover with the earthy substance called marl.

Verb

To cover, as part of a rope, with marline, marking a peculiar hitch at each turn to prevent unwinding.

Synonyms

bole

compost

kaolin

loam

marlite

mortar

plaster

rottenstone

compo

oxide of iron

marlstone rock

marle

Pronounced as (IPA)

/mɑːl/

Etymology

From Middle English marle, from Old French marle, from Late Latin margila, diminutive of marga (“marl”). Doublet of marla.