enamel

[ih-nam-uhl]

noun

1. a glassy substance, usually opaque, applied by fusion to the surface of metal, pottery, etc., as an ornament or for protection.

2. enamelware.

3. any of various varnishes, paints, coatings, etc., drying to a hard, glossy finish.

4. any enamellike surface with a bright luster.

5. an artistic work executed in enamel.

6. Dentistry.,  the hard, glossy, calcareous covering of the crown of a tooth, containing only a slight amount of organic substance.

verb (used with object)

enameled, enameling , enamelled, enamelling .

1. to inlay or overlay with enamel.

2. to form an enamellike surface upon.

   to enamel cardboard.

3. to decorate as with enamel; variegate with colors.

enamel

/ ɪˈnæməl /

noun

1. a coloured glassy substance, translucent or opaque, fused to the surface of articles made of metal, glass, etc, for ornament or protection

2. an article or articles ornamented with enamel

3. an enamel-like paint or varnish

4. any smooth glossy coating resembling enamel

5. another word for nail polish

6. the hard white calcified substance that covers the crown of each tooth

7. (modifier)

   1. decorated or covered with enamel

      an enamel ring

   2. made with enamel

      enamel paste

verb

1. to inlay, coat, or otherwise decorate with enamel

2. to ornament with glossy variegated colours, as if with enamel

3. to portray in enamel

enamel

1. The hard, translucent substance covering the exposed portion of a tooth in mammals. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and consists mostly of calcium salts.

enamel

1. The hard, white substance that covers the crown of a tooth.

Other Word Forms

• enameler noun
• enamelist noun
• enamelwork noun
• unenameled adjective
• unenamelled adjective
• enameller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enamel¹

1275–1325; Middle English enamelen < Anglo-French enameler, enamailler, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + -amaler, derivative of asmal, esmal enamel, Old French esmail ( -al taken as the suffix -ail ) < Old Low Franconian *smalt- something melted, cognate with German Schmalz fat; akin to smelt ¹; smalto

Word History and Origins

Origin of enamel¹

C15: from Old French esmail, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German smalz lard; see _smelt ¹

Example Sentences

In a modest-sized university lab in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, researchers are using a tiny drill to scrape away enamel from a 2,500-year-old tooth.

From BBC

Their research revealed that keratin produces a protective coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel when it comes into contact with minerals in saliva.

From BBC

I cubed the steak and browned it hard in my cherry red Dutch oven, watching it cast off its fat and leave behind a savory varnish on the enamel.

From Salon

Whether you choose the mini bucket bag or the Aimée bag, each piece blends charming crochet with polished leather and enameled metal accents — because just like any great summer fling, opposites attract.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Weale, who has been a detectorist since he was seven years old, found the piece, that was crafted in gold and enamel, after searching the area for 18 months.

From BBC

Related Words

• coating 
• glaze 
• lacquer 
• stain 
• varnish