lost wax

noun

: a process used in metal casting that consists of making a wax model, coating it with a refractory to form a mold, heating until the wax melts and runs out of the mold, and then pouring metal into the vacant mold

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web It would've been cast in wax and then cast as a lost wax cast, and then the wooden handle would be made up and wrapped in leather and all these components would come together on the blade. Nick Romano, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2022 What appear like simple beads actually require tremendous skill to execute: Each bead is individually crafted in gold using the lost wax technique and is hand-finished and polished. Jill Newman, Town & Country, 15 Sep. 2022 Designed and made in California with the lost wax casting method, this design is also available in sterling silver. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 Think lost wax casting on medallion pendants and signet rings, mythological Greek goddesses portrayed on necklaces, and celestial constellations rendered on charms and stud earrings. Laura Lajiness, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2021 Painstakingly sculpted in wax, then cast with the lost wax method, Griegst’s 18-karat gold jewels were designed to live comfortably on the human body. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 12 June 2021 Harrill's own work has matured over the years from simple beading to her current work in techniques such as torching and lost wax casting. Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com, 17 Oct. 2017 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lost wax was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near lost wax

Cite this Entry

“Lost wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lost%20wax. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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