corrugation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “corrugation” mean?
A shape or surface marked by parallel ridges and grooves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A shape or surface marked by parallel ridges and grooves; the process of forming such ridges.
The state of being wrinkled or furrowed; a specific ridge or groove in a corrugated surface. Can metaphorically describe any regular, repetitive pattern of undulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The verb 'corrugate' is used identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, strongly associated with materials (cardboard, metal sheeting) and technical descriptions (geology, engineering).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, found predominantly in technical and descriptive contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “corrugation” in a Sentence
corrugation of [surface/material]corrugation in [surface/material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corrugation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The machine will corrugate the steel to add rigidity.
- They used a special press to corrugate the paperboard.
American English
- The factory corrugates the metal sheets before shipping.
- This process corrugates the surface for better traction.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
adjective
British English
- The shed had a corrugated iron roof.
- They packed the瓷器 in corrugated cardboard.
American English
- We stored the tools under a corrugated steel lean-to.
- The corrugated plastic sign was lightweight yet durable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing, packaging, and construction sectors, e.g., 'The corrugation of the cardboard provides exceptional strength.'
Academic
Common in geology (soil corrugation), materials science, and engineering texts describing surface topology.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when describing corrugated iron roofing or cardboard boxes.
Technical
The primary register. Precise term for the formed ridges in corrugated materials, used in engineering diagrams and specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corrugation”
- Misspelling as 'corrogation' or 'corugation'. Using it as a verb (the verb is 'to corrugate'). Overusing in non-technical contexts where simpler words like 'ridges' suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both involve folds, 'corrugation' implies a regular, parallel, and often structural pattern (like on cardboard), whereas a 'wrinkle' is often irregular and associated with fabrics or skin.
No. The noun 'corrugation' comes from the verb 'to corrugate'. You corrugate a material, which results in corrugation.
Corrugated cardboard (the brown material used in shipping boxes) and corrugated iron or steel sheets used for roofing and siding are the most ubiquitous examples.
Yes, it is considered a formal and technical term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'ridges', 'grooves', or 'wavy pattern'.
A shape or surface marked by parallel ridges and grooves.
Corrugation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly featuring 'corrugation']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CORRUGated' IRON. The 'corrug-' part sounds like 'corner' and 'rugged' – a rugged surface with corners/ridges.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS A RIDGED SURFACE (as corrugation adds rigidity); PATTERN IS A PHYSICAL IMPRINT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'corrugation' LEAST likely to be used?