incrustation

noun

in·​crus·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkrə-ˈstā-shən 

variants or less commonly encrustation

ˌin-ˌkrə-ˈstā-shən  ˌen- 

1

a

: a crust or hard coating

b

: a growth or accumulation (as of habits, opinions, or customs) resembling a crust

2

: the act of encrusting : the state of being encrusted

3

a

: overlay sense a

b

: inlay

Examples of incrustation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ancient Origins reported that the researchers analyzed the carbonate incrustations, or the buildup in the city’s pipes, as well as deposits in the aqueducts and water towers built later on. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 18 Jan. 2026

The sand brown halter neck midi dress featured lace incrustations in organic crepe de chine. —Julia Teti, WWD, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin incrustation-, incrustatio, from incrustare to encrust

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for incrustation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

incrustation

noun

in·​crus·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of encrusting : the state of being encrusted

2

: a hard coating : crust

Medical Definition

incrustation

noun

in·​crus·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən 

variants or encrustation

ˌen- 

1

: the act of encrusting : the state of being encrusted

2

: a crust or hard coating