incrustation

/ˌɪnkrəˈsteɪʃən/

Other forms: incrustations

Incrustation means a crust that covers something, the way a crust is baked onto a loaf of bread or jewels encrust a crown.

Incrustation and its spelling variant encrustation refer to a crust that can grow on something concrete or abstract. If you have lost in love, you might feel that there has been an incrustation of your heart, such that it is sealed away where it cannot be hurt again.

Definitions of incrustation

1. noun

   the formation of a crust
   synonyms: encrustation

   type of:

   formation

   natural process that causes something to form
2. noun

   a hard outer layer that covers something
   synonyms: crust, encrustation

   types:

   calculus, tartar, tophus

   an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums

   type of:

   cover, covering, natural covering

   a natural object that covers or envelops
3. noun

   a decorative coating of contrasting material that is applied to a surface as an inlay or overlay
   synonyms: encrustation

   type of:

   decoration, ornament, ornamentation

   something used to beautify