mantle
mantle Lexical Profile
mantle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An important role, responsibility, or duty that passes from one person to another.
"After the CEO's sudden resignation, the young executive was forced to take on the mantle of leadership."
The region of the Earth's interior between the crust and the core, consisting of hot, dense, silicate rock.
"Tectonic plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere located in the upper mantle."
A loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially in the past.
"The mysterious figure stepped out of the fog, tightly wrapped in a heavy wool mantle."
• verb
To clothe, cover, or envelop something as if with a mantle.
"A thick layer of fresh snow mantled the quiet village overnight."
To suffuse the face with blood, causing a blush.
"A sudden rush of embarrassment caused the blood to mantle in her cheeks."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Mantle" is frequently confused with its homophone "mantel," which specifically refers to the decorative shelf above a fireplace.
• Rhymes for mantle
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'mentel', which was borrowed from Latin 'mantellum', meaning 'cloak'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.