enamel

¹enam·el

transitive verb \i-ˈna-məl\

enam·eled or enam·elledenam·el·ing or enam·el·ling\-ˈnam-liŋ, -ˈna-mə-\

Definition of ENAMEL

1

: to cover, inlay, or decorate with enamel

2

: to beautify with a colorful surface

3

: to form a glossy surface on (as paper, leather, or cloth)

— enam·el·er noun

— enam·el·ist \-mə-list\ noun

Origin of ENAMEL

Middle English, from Anglo-French enameller, from en- + asmal, esmal enamel, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smelzan to melt — more at smelt

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

²enamel

noun

Definition of ENAMEL

1

: a usually opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal, glass, or pottery

2

: a surface or outer covering that resembles enamel

3

a : something that is enameled

b : enamelware

4

: a cosmetic intended to give a smooth or glossy appearance

5

: a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth — see tooth illustration

6

: a paint that flows out to a smooth coat when applied and that dries with a glossy appearance

Examples of ENAMEL

1. The tea set is decorated with enamel.
2. an artist who works with enamels
3. The museum has a fine collection of enamels.

First Known Use of ENAMEL

15th century

enam·el

noun \in-ˈam-əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ENAMEL

: the intensely hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer partly covering the teeth of many vertebrates including humans, is the hardest substance of the animal body, and consists of minute prisms secreted by ameloblasts, arranged at right angles to the surface, and bound together by a cement substance—compare cementum, dentin

Illustration of ENAMEL