damascene

1 of 3

noun

dam·​a·​scene ˈda-mə-ˌsēn How to pronounce damascene (audio)
ˌda-mə-ˈsēn
1
capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Damascus
2
: the characteristic markings of Damascus steel

damascene

2 of 3

adjective

1
capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of Damascus or the Damascenes
2
: of or relating to damask or the art of damascening

damascene

3 of 3

verb

damascened; damascening

transitive verb

: to ornament (something, such as iron or steel) with wavy patterns like those of watered silk or with inlaid work of precious metals

Examples of damascene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In the case of the Angkor Thom and Imperial Summer Palace pieces, the tree foliage was created using a damascene technique, which required embedding metal wire in an engraved surface. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2023 Copper interconnects are built using what’s called a damascene process. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
Dragon’s Cloud The dragon in this energetic narrative is carved out of gold over a background made using a rare technique called damascening, a form of decorative inlay using metals of contrasting colors, resulting in a layered appearance meant to resemble the organic textures found in nature. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'damascene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle French damasquiner, from damasquin of Damascus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damascene was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near damascene

Cite this Entry

“Damascene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damascene. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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