enamel

verb enam·el \ i-ˈna-məl \

Definition of enamel

enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling play \i-ˈnam-liŋ, -ˈna-mə-\

transitive verb

1 :to cover, inlay, or decorate with enamel

2 :to beautify with a colorful surface

3 :to form a glossy surface on (a material, such as paper, leather, or cloth)

—

enameler

noun

—

enamelist

play \i-ˈna-mə-list\ noun

See enamel defined for kids

Recent Examples of enamel from the Web

Dials are painted or enameled and components are polished.

— chris rovzar, Bloomberg.com, "How to Make a Watch," 16 May 2017
At times the transparent enameled surface seems to expand its boundaries . . .

— roger catlin, Smithsonian, "Artist June Schwarcz Electroplated and Sandblasted Her Way Into Art Museums and Galleries," 20 Mar. 2017
The sign, of which local residents were exceptionally proud, included the name Redwood City in white, three-foot-high enameled letters.

— shirley burgett, The Mercury News, "Matters Historical: The great climate debate of 1920s Redwood City," 18 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enamel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of enamel

Middle English, from Anglo-French enameller, from en- + asmal, esmal enamel, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smelzan to melt — more at smelt

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

enamel

noun

Definition of enamel

1 :a usually opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal, glass, or pottery

2 :a surface or outer covering that resembles enamel

3 a :something that is enameled

b :enamelware

4 :a cosmetic intended to give a smooth or glossy appearance

5 :a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth — see tooth illustration

6 :a paint that flows out to a smooth coat when applied and that dries with a glossy appearance

See enamel defined for English-language learners

Examples of enamel in a Sentence

The tea set is decorated with enamel.
an artist who works with enamels
The museum has a fine collection of enamels.

Recent Examples of enamel from the Web

Deeper, intrinsic stains are dark coloring that comes from within the tooth, sometimes as a result of trauma, weak enamel, certain types of medication, and even overuse of fluoride.

— alexandra tunell, Harper's BAZAAR, "Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe to Use?," 9 Aug. 2017
The food is served on blue enamel plates and cups with the kind of utensils used for an outdoor dinner party, if that dinner party means camping outdoors.

— by ellise pierce, star-telegram, "Cowboy Cuisine: Why this cooking style still matters to these Texan chefs (with recipes!)," 2 Aug. 2017
The white gloss enamel paint shimmered in the sunlight.

— javonte anderson, Post-Tribune, "East Chicago neighborhood fights to stay alive," 21 July 2017
A 75-feet-long, curved panel display made of steel and porcelain enamel will form a ribbon of 49 cartoons by John Callahan.

— OregonLive.com, "Legacy Good Samaritan Park and John Callahan Garden (photos)," 19 July 2017
Minimal outside lighting shines down from electric bulbs and green enamel reflectors suspended from wires.

— jacques kelly, baltimoresun.com, "A 150-year-old camp-meeting site provides a summertime sanctuary," 14 July 2017
HEAVY-DUTY SCRUB Great for: Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs Ingredients • Half a lemon • 1/2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle) How to use: Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub surface; rinse.

— Good Housekeeping, "9 Cleaners You Can Make Yourself," 10 July 2017
Combining precious stones and colored enamels that feature the brand’s iconic lion motif, the colorful pieces will be on display at their Fifth Avenue store today until July 28.

— lindsay peoples, The Cut, "Gucci’s New Fine-Jewelry Line Is Gloriously Over-the-Top," 7 July 2017
On her wedding day in 2011, Sandoval painted Kate's nails with a combination of Essie's Allure polish and Bourjois' So Laque ultra-shine nail enamel.

— micaela english, Town & Country, "Royal Beauty: Duchess Kate's Favorite Beauty Products," 27 June 2017

First Known Use of enamel

15th century

ENAMEL Defined for English Language Learners

enamel

noun

Definition of enamel for English Language Learners

: a material like colored glass that is heated until it is liquid and then used to decorate the surface of metal, glass, or pottery
: something decorated with enamel
: the very hard outer layer of a tooth

ENAMEL Defined for Kids

enamel

verb enam·el \ i-ˈna-məl \

Definition of enamel for Students

enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling

:to cover or decorate with a smooth hard glossy coating

enamel a pot

enamel

noun

Definition of enamel for Students

1 :a glassy substance used to coat the surface of metal, glass, and pottery

2 :the hard outer surface of the teeth

3 :a paint that dries to form a hard glossy coat

Medical Dictionary

enamel

noun enam·el \ in-ˈam-əl \

medical Definition of enamel

:the intensely hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer partly covering the teeth of many vertebrates including humans, is the hardest substance of the animal body, and consists of minute prisms secreted by ameloblasts, arranged at right angles to the surface, and bound together by a cement substance — compare cementum, dentin