Fleckiness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of being characterized by the presence of tiny specks or markings that create visual irregularity
2. A quality marked by small spots or dots that result in a variegated appearance
3. The condition of having numerous minute particles or blemishes that contribute to a mottled look

Etymology: "Fleckiness" is about as plain as English word-building gets: it is the noun formed from "flecky," an adjective describing something marked with flecks, plus the suffix "-ness," which turns an adjective into a noun for a state or quality. The result names the condition of being flecky, that is, of having many small spots or specks that give a mottled appearance. The more interesting part is the base word. "Fleck" is an older English word for a small spot, streak or speck, and "flecky" grew from it by adding "-y," the common adjective-forming ending, so the word is built in layers: a noun for a speck, an adjective for things covered in specks, and finally a noun for that quality. The "-ness" suffix has been used in this way since Old English, which is why it can be attached to so many adjectives to form abstract nouns.

Synonyms: spotting, speckling, marking, staining, spottedness

Antonyms: uniformity, smoothness, solidity, clearness, clarity