gesso

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛsəʊ/

noun (plural gessoes)

[mass noun]
  • a hard compound of plaster of Paris or whiting in glue, used in sculpture or as a base for gilding or painting on wood: the surface must first be given several coats of gesso [as modifier]: gesso panels

Origin:

late 16th century: Italian, from Latin gypsum (see gypsum)