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cire perdue

noun
cire per·​due | \ ˈsirˌperˈd(y)ü, F sēērperdᵫ̅\

Definition of cire perdue

: a process used in metal casting that consists of making a wax model (as of a statuette), coating it with a refractory (as clay) to form a mold, heating until the wax melts and runs out of small holes left in the mold, and then pouring metal into the space left vacant

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History and Etymology for cire perdue

French (moulage à) cire perdue, literally, lost wax casting

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