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Definition of cladding

cladding

/ˈklæd.ɪŋ/
clad · ding
Plural:claddings
•
Adjective:clad
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cladding Lexical Profile

cladding Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An external covering or coating applied to the exterior of a building or structure to provide thermal insulation, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Example

"The architects chose sustainable timber cladding for the exterior of the new community center."

2

A protective layer of metal bonded to the surface of another metal or surrounding the nuclear fuel core in a reactor to prevent corrosion and contain radioactive material.

Example

"Zirconium alloys are widely used as fuel rod cladding in commercial nuclear reactors due to their low neutron absorption."

3

One or more layers of material of lower refractive index surrounding the central core of an optical fiber to trap light within the core via total internal reflection.

Example

"The glass cladding ensures that optical signals travel efficiently along the fiber without leaking out."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cladding

• Rhymes for cladding

• Nearby Words

clackbox
clackers
clad
cladding
cladoceran
clafoutis
claim

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'clad' (the archaic past participle of Old English 'clæþan', meaning 'to clothe') plus the suffix '-ing'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cladding. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cladding
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