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Damascus steel

American  

noun

  1. 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

  1. 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 • Mar. 19, 2025

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 • Mar. 27, 2017

His most valuable piece is a Luftwaffe sword with a Damascus steel blade, worth $12,000.

From The Guardian • Dec. 30, 2015

He makes Bowie knives, hunting knives and daggers using mammoth bone, gold wire inlay and Damascus steel, which he forges.

From Washington Times • Aug. 3, 2015

It might be true as Damascus steel, for aught I know.

From In Convent Walls The Story of the Despensers by Irwin, M. (Madelaine)

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