mottled

Mottled is an adjective used to describe surfaces or organisms that show irregular patches or blotches of color or shading. The patches are typically varied in hue and have uneven, indistinct edges rather than a uniform color. The noun mottling refers to the pattern itself, and mottling as a process describes how such patterns form, often through differential pigmentation or mineral deposition.

In biology, mottling occurs in animals and plants as a form of camouflage, signaling, or natural variation. Examples include mottled fur or scales, mottled plumage, and leaves with variegated coloration. Mottling can be genetic or induced by environmental factors, and it can become more or less pronounced with age or seasonal changes.

In geology and materials, mottling describes surfaces such as rock, ceramic glaze, leather, or metal that display irregular patches of different colors. It can result from uneven mineral content, weathering, heat treatment, or finishing processes. Mottled stone is valued for its varied appearance, while mottled fabrics or pottery reflect intentional design to create blotched patterns.

In dentistry and medicine, mottled enamel or other discoloration refers to patchy, irregular changes in color due to developmental disturbances or exposure to certain substances. The term also appears in horticulture to describe variegated leaves or crops affected by pests, nutrient imbalances, or disease.

Overall, mottling conveys a nonuniform, blotchy visual impression. It is distinct from related patterns such as marbling (vein-like swirls) and speckling (small, discrete points).