smalt

noun

ˈsmȯlt 

: a deep blue pigment consisting of a powdered glass that contains oxide of cobalt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Asserting the global nature of this provincial picture, didactics explain how the red came from cochineal bugs in the Americas and the smalt blue from cobalt mined in Saxony. —Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, 21 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian smalto, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smelzan to melt — more at smelt entry 2

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above