Streaky

Describing something that displays irregular, thin lines or marks, often of a different color or texture, running in a direction. It implies a lack of uniformity and even distribution, resulting in an appearance of streaks. The streaks can be due to uneven application of a substance, naturally occurring patterns, or imperfections in the material. This term can apply to a variety of things, from food and paint to light and even personality traits, emphasizing a visually disjointed quality. It suggests a contrast and often an imperfection in its subject.

Streaky meaning with examples

• The artist's painting had a streaky appearance, with uneven brushstrokes marring the otherwise vibrant sunset. The viewer noticed how the colors blended but left visible streaks in the red and orange paint, creating a unique, imperfect aesthetic that caught the eye.
• After washing the car, I noticed the window was streaky, with visible water marks left behind. The car’s glass had a streaky appearance because the cloth was not completely clean and did not wipe the water from the surface correctly, leading to light refracting streaks.
• The bacon, cooked to a crisp, had a delightful streaky quality due to the varying fat content. The meat, with its alternating bands of lean and fatty tissue, showed streaky patterns, producing that sought after blend of textures when fried.
• The sun, filtering through the blinds, created a streaky pattern of light and shadow on the floor. This added a dramatic feel to the room's decor. The resulting streakiness added an interesting visual texture.