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 surfaces
2 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]