marouflage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialistFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “marouflage” mean?
The technique of permanently adhering a painted canvas to a wall, ceiling, or board using a strong adhesive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The technique of permanently adhering a painted canvas to a wall, ceiling, or board using a strong adhesive.
In a more abstract sense, it can refer to the act of covering up flaws or creating a deceptive surface appearance, analogous to its technical use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical, precise, related to fine art and restoration. No notable difference in connotation between UK and US usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Found almost exclusively in texts related to art history, conservation, and mural painting.
Grammar
How to Use “marouflage” in a Sentence
[subject] + marouflages + [object] + to/onto + [surface]The [technique/process] of marouflage + [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marouflage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The conservator will marouflage the fragile painting onto a new support.
- They had to carefully marouflage the canvas to the ceiling.
American English
- The artist marouflaged the large canvas directly onto the gallery wall.
- We need to marouflage this section before it deteriorates further.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'using marouflage' or similar.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'using marouflage' or similar.]
adjective
British English
- The marouflage adhesive must be reversible.
- They discussed the marouflage technique in detail.
American English
- A special marouflage paste was used for the project.
- The mural's stability depended on the marouflage process.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history, conservation science, and fine art practice papers.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core usage. Describes a specific conservation and mural painting procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marouflage”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marouflage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marouflage”
- Misspelling: 'marouflage' vs. 'maroflage' or 'maroufle'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: stressing the first syllable.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'glue'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialist term used almost exclusively in art conservation and related fields.
Yes, it can be used as a verb meaning to adhere a canvas to a surface using this specific technique.
It comes from French, derived from 'maroufle', a type of strong glue used in this process.
Yes, marouflage refers specifically to the professional technique of adhering a painted canvas to a rigid support, often with considerations for reversibility and conservation.
The technique of permanently adhering a painted canvas to a wall, ceiling, or board using a strong adhesive.
Marouflage is usually formal / technical in register.
Marouflage: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmærʊˈflɑːʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmærʊˈflɑːʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MARRY' (like join together) + 'FLOOR' (a surface) + '-AGE' (a process). The process of marrying a canvas to a floor or wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVERING IS DECEPTION / A SURFACE IS A LAYER (when used abstractly).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'marouflage' primarily used?