metalwork

met·al·work

noun \-ˌwərk\

Definition of METALWORK

: the product of metalworking; especially : a metal object of artistic merit

— met·al·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

Examples of METALWORK

1. a beautiful piece of metalwork

First Known Use of METALWORK

circa 1845

Rhymes with METALWORK

Atatürk, basketwork, bodywork, busywork, cabinetwork, city clerk, clean-and-jerk, crewelwork, donkeywork, fancywork, handiwork, journeywork, lacquerwork, latticework, leatherwork, masterwork, needlework, openwork, out of work, overwork, paperwork, plasterwork, shipping clerk, social work, soda jerk, stated clerk, trestlework, wickerwork, wonderwork

metalwork

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Useful and decorative objects fashioned of various metals. The oldest technique is hammering. After c. 2500 BC, casting was also used, molten metal being poured into a mold and allowed to cool. Various decorative techniques are used. Gold and silver have been worked since ancient times. Gold and silver objects were in such demand in the 12th century that gold- and silversmiths organized guilds. High-quality gold and silver objects were produced in pre-Columbian America. Copper was worked in ancient Egypt and was widely used for household utensils in 17th–18th-century Europe. Both bronze and brass were widely used in ancient Greece. Pewter plates and tankards were made in the Middle Ages and remained popular until they were superseded by cheaper earthenware and porcelain in the 18th century. Wrought iron has been used for decorative hinges, gates, and railings since the 16th century. Lead has traditionally been used for roof coverings.