Damascus steel

American

noun

hand-wrought steel, made in various Asian countries, from parts of a bloom of heterogeneous composition, repeatedly folded over and welded and finally etched to reveal the resulting grain: used especially for sword blades.

Damascus steel British

noun

history a hard flexible steel with wavy markings caused by forging the metal in strips: used for sword blades

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Damascus steel

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Being back in the studio helps give me a sense of normalcy,” Berkofsky said as he hammered the red-hot Damascus steel on an anvil.

From Los Angeles Times

This Hand-Forged Damascus Steel Chef Knife Set is a perfect example: more than just tools, they're works of art, featuring the gorgeous, flowing pattern on the blades that are signature to Damascus steel.

From Salon

Described as having a rippled pattern to its finish, the closest real-world equivalent is Damascus steel.

From Salon

The same used to make samurai swords, Damascus steel is known for its distinctive patterns of banding that can produce a look reminiscent of flowing water.

From Golf Digest

The king gave the Russian president a sword made of Damascus steel.

From US News

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023