ormolu

noun

or·mo·lu ˈȯr-mə-ˌlü

often attributive

: golden or gilded brass or bronze used for decorative purposes (as in mounts for furniture)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Specialists stabilized the ormolu (gilt bronze) and enamel panels and, most critically, dismantled and repaired clockworks that had been corroded by dirty floodwaters. —

Drew Broach, NOLA.com, 21 Oct. 2017

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

Word History

Etymology

French or moulu, literally, ground gold

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ormolu was in 1765

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ormolu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ormolu. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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