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zerlaufen

melted, run together

adjective tser-LOW-fen Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Also means

smeared (of make-up)

Usage Note

Zerlaufen describes something that has melted and lost its shape — zerlaufene Butter (melted butter that has pooled), zerlaufenes Mascara (smeared mascara). The prefix zer- indicates disintegration of form. Also used for candles that have dripped and spread.

Examples

"Die zerlaufene Schokolade klebte überall an der Verpackung."

Natural Translation

The melted chocolate was sticking all over the packaging.

Literal Translation

The melted chocolate stuck everywhere on the packaging.

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