ormolu

American  

[awr-muh-loo] / ˈɔr məˌlu /

noun

1. Also called mosaic gold.  an alloy of copper and zinc used to imitate gold.

2. Also called bronze doré,.  Also called gilt bronze.  gilded metal, especially cast brass or bronze gilded over fire with an amalgam of gold and mercury, used for furniture mounts and ornamental objects.

3. gold or gold powder prepared for use in gilding.

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ormolu British  

/ ˈɔːməˌluː /

noun

1. 1. a gold-coloured alloy of copper, tin, or zinc used to decorate furniture, mouldings, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      an ormolu clock

2. gold prepared to be used for gilding

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Etymology

Origin of ormolu

1755–65; < French or moulu ground gold, equivalent to or (< Latin aurum ) + moulu, past participle of moudre to grind < Latin molere

Example Sentences

With this got up as it should be, I would not mind admitting that in Porcelain and Laces, Ormolu and Trinkets, Europe is yet several years ahead of us.

From Glances at Europe In a Series of Letters from Great Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, &c. During the Summer of 1851. by Greeley, Horace

Ormolu, damask hangings, and Sévres china were not familiar to them; but they had never lacked anything that is needed for the comfort of the first-class clerical world.

From The Claverings by Trollope, Anthony

One wonders sometimes whether ornamental French Ormolu clocks have any works, or are solid throughout.

From The Incomplete Amorist by Nesbit, E. (Edith)

Ormolu ornaments, when applied to cabinets and other works in wood, are also never satisfactory.

From Principles of Decorative Design Fourth Edition by Dresser, Christopher

Ormolu mounts of bay wreaths, torches, eagles, military emblems and trophies, winged figures, the sphinx, the bee, and the initial N, were used on furniture; and these same motives were used in wall decoration.

From Furnishing the Home of Good Taste A Brief Sketch of the Period Styles in Interior Decoration with Suggestions as to Their Employment in the Homes of Today by Throop, Lucy Abbot