Alligatoring

Origin

alligator + -ing, from the similarity in appearance to an alligator's skin

Noun

noun

(painting) A pattern of cracking of paint on a surface leaving roughly hexagonal areas of uncracked paint.
(roofing) The cracking of the surfacing bitumen on a bituminous roof or coating on a SPF roof, producing a pattern of cracks similar to an alligator's hide.

Synonyms

checking