Marl

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: mäl, IPA: /mɑːl/
• GenAm enPR: märl, IPA: /mɑɹl/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)l

Origin

From Old French marle from Late Latin marglia, diminutive of marga ("marl").

“marl”, Online Etymology Dictionary.

Alternative forms

• marle

Full definition of marl

Noun

1. A mixed earthy substance, consisting of carbonate of lime, clay, and possibly sand, in very variable proportions, and accordingly designated as calcareous, clayey, or sandy.
• 1955, Robert Herman Bogue, The chemistry of portland cement, Important marl and marine-shell deposits are worked in Michigan, Virginia, and Florida.
• 2004, Peter Porter, Afterburner Chapter Why Did Dante Pick on Suicides, Those loved unhappy shades whom Dante turned
  To sticks and marl

Derived terms

• marlaceous
• marler
• marlite
• marlpit
• marlstone
• marly

Verb

1. To cover, as part of a rope, with marline, marking a peculiar hitch at each turn to prevent unwinding.