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filigree

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

filigree

Main Entry:: ¹fil·i·gree
Pronunciation:: \ˈfi-lə-ˌgrē\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: modification of French filigrane, from Italian filigrana, from Latin filum + granum grain — more at corn
Date:: 1693

1: ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces2 a: ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design b: a pattern or design resembling such openwork <a filigree of frost> c: ornamentation, embellishment <writings…heavy with late Victorian filigree — Jack Beatty>

[filigree illustration]

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