niello

noun

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ni·el·lo | \ nē-ˈe-(ˌ)lō

plural nielli\ nē-ˈe-(ˌ)lē

\ or niellos

Definition of niello

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of several black enamel-like alloys usually of sulfur with silver, copper, and lead

2 : the art or process of decorating metal with incised designs filled with niello

3 : a piece of metal or an object decorated with niello

niello

verb

nielloed; nielloing; niellos

Definition of niello (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to inlay or ornament with niello

Examples of niello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Cleaning revealed the cross’ ornate decorations of black niello, or metallic alloy, and gold leaf. — Nora Mcgreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, "Freed of 1,000 Years of Grime, Anglo-Saxon Cross Emerges in Stunning Detail," 16 Dec. 2020

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