Coatings

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkəʊtɪŋz/

Definitions

1. A layer of substance that is applied to surfaces for purposes such as protection, enhancement, or insulation
2. Materials that serve to cover and protect surfaces while also improving their aesthetic qualities or functional characteristics
3. A layer applied to an object's surface to shield it from damage or to improve its look and function

Etymology: "Coatings" is the plural of "coating," which is itself the noun form of the verb "coat." The verb goes back to Old French "cote," a tunic or outer garment, and the idea behind it is simple: to coat something is to dress it in a covering, much as a person puts on a coat. The notion of putting a garment over a body carried over into describing a film or layer laid over a surface, whether paint on wood or metal on a sheet. The plural form matters here because "coatings" is used for the materials themselves, such as paints, varnishes, and protective finishes, rather than for a single layer. Industrial and technical writing favours this plural, so a reference to "protective coatings" usually means a category of substances rather than one application.

Synonyms: layers, coats, finishes