enamel

 
Pronunciation: /ɪˈnam(ə)l/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1an opaque or semi-transparent glossy substance that is a type of glass, applied by vitrification to metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as a protective coating: pieces of metalwork decorated with enamel [as modifier]: white enamel bowls [count noun]: a dagger inlaid with bone and enamels
  • [count noun] a work of art executed in enamel: a collection of ceramics and enamels
  • 2the hard glossy substance that covers the crown of a tooth.
  • 3 (also enamel paint) a paint that dries to give a smooth, hard coat: one coat of enamel and three coats of varnish [count noun]: a new super gloss enamel
  • 4 dated nail varnish.

verb (enamels, enamelling, enamelled; US enamels, enameling, enameled)

[with object] (often as adjective enamelled)
  • coat or decorate (a metallic or hard object) with enamel: an enamelled roasting tin

Derivatives

enameller

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (originally as a verb; formerly also as inamel): from Anglo-Norman French enamailler, from en- 'in, on' + amail 'enamel', ultimately of Germanic origin

Spelling help

Spell enamelled with two l's (the spelling enameled is American).