gestreift

Gestreift is a German adjective and past participle that describes a pattern or surface marked by stripes. It characterizes objects with parallel lines or bands of contrasting color, whether subtle or bold, regular or irregular. The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in technical and descriptive contexts.

Etymology and grammar: Gestreift comes from the verb streifen, meaning to stripe or to touch lightly in other senses. The prefix ge- forms the past participle gestreift, which can function attributively or predicatively. Depending on gender, case, and number, forms such as ein gestreifter Stoff, eine gestreifte Bluse, or ein gestreiftes Muster are used.

Usage in fashion, textiles, and design: The word is common in clothing and fabric descriptions. A gestreifter Pullover, ein gestreiftes Tuch, or ein gestreifter Anzug refers to striped garments. In interior design, gestreifte Muster appear on upholstery, wallpaper, rugs, and curtains, offering a visual rhythm of horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes.

Usage in biology and nature: In zoology and botany, gestreift describes organisms with striped coloration or markings, such as zebras or certain plant patterns. The term highlights pattern as a defining feature for identification or aesthetic description.

See also: Streifen, Streifenmuster, Nadelstreifen.