variegated

Everyday

1. Variegated leaves or flowers have patches, stripes or edges of different colours, often green and white or yellow. tree →
2. Variegated means having many different colours or kinds. tree →

In the lessons

Used in gardening and science about plants («variegated ivy», «variegated leaves»), and sometimes about yarn, stones or animals.

Examples

• The variegated ivy has green and cream leaves. tree →
• Grandma grows a variegated holly with yellow edges. tree →
• Variegated plants need lots of light. tree →
• The shop sold variegated wool in many colours. tree →
• We drew a variegated leaf in science. tree →
• The snake had variegated scales of brown and gold. tree →
• Do you notice the variegated splendour of the walls and windows? tree →

Note

Pronounced VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid. A rather technical word; everyday speech says «striped», «patchy» or «multicoloured». In science: white patches have less chlorophyll, so they cannot make food from light.