Chapped

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /t͡ʃæpt/

Definitions

1. Experiencing a rough and sore condition often seen on skin or lips due to environmental stressors
2. Characterized by the cracking and irritation of surface areas as a result of dryness and exposure
3. Having skin affected by dryness leading to rough texture and cracks, commonly caused by cold or wind exposure

Etymology: "Chapped" is the past form of "chap," a verb that meant "to split open" or "to burst" in Middle English. The skin image comes from that sense: lips or hands that have split open from cold and dry air are, in the old verb's terms, chapped. The verb itself is of uncertain origin, though it is related to Middle English "choppen," meaning "to chop," and Dutch "kappen," meaning "to cut, chop, hack," and it may be connected to "chip." A second, unrelated "chap" lies behind the one used for a fellow. That word is a clipping of "chapman," a dealer or customer, recorded in 16th-century English. Its meaning has no link to splitting or cracking, so the two words only look alike by coincidence of spelling.

Synonyms: cracked, dry, damaged, rough, irritated

Antonyms: smooth, soft, hydrated, moist, nourished