enamel

American  

[ih-nam-uhl] / ɪˈnæm əl /

noun

1. a glassy substance, usually opaque, applied by fusion to the surface of metal, pottery, etc., as an ornament or for protection.

2. enamelware.

3. any of various varnishes, paints, coatings, etc., drying to a hard, glossy finish.

4. any enamellike surface with a bright luster.

5. an artistic work executed in enamel.

6. Dentistry. the hard, glossy, calcareous covering of the crown of a tooth, containing only a slight amount of organic substance.

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verb (used with object)

enameled, enameling, enamelled, enamelling

1. to inlay or overlay with enamel.

2. to form an enamellike surface upon.

   to enamel cardboard.

3. to decorate as with enamel; variegate with colors.

enamel British  

/ ɪˈnæməl /

noun

1. a coloured glassy substance, translucent or opaque, fused to the surface of articles made of metal, glass, etc, for ornament or protection

2. an article or articles ornamented with enamel

3. an enamel-like paint or varnish

4. any smooth glossy coating resembling enamel

5. another word for nail polish

6. the hard white calcified substance that covers the crown of each tooth

7. (modifier)

   1. decorated or covered with enamel

      an enamel ring

   2. made with enamel

      enamel paste

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verb

1. to inlay, coat, or otherwise decorate with enamel

2. to ornament with glossy variegated colours, as if with enamel

3. to portray in enamel

enamel Scientific  

/ ĭ-năm′əl /

1. The hard, translucent substance covering the exposed portion of a tooth in mammals. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and consists mostly of calcium salts.

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enamel Cultural  

1. The hard, white substance that covers the crown of a tooth.

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Other Word Forms

• enameler noun
• enamelist noun
• enameller noun
• enamelwork noun
• unenameled adjective
• unenamelled adjective

Etymology

Origin of enamel

1275–1325; Middle English enamelen < Anglo-French enameler, enamailler, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + -amaler, derivative of asmal, esmal enamel, Old French esmail ( -al taken as the suffix -ail ) < Old Low Franconian *smalt- something melted, cognate with German Schmalz fat; akin to smelt ¹; smalto

Example Sentences

An enameled brooch and tortoiseshell calling card case belonging to Leah.

From Literature

At the same time, oxygen isotope analysis of fossil tooth enamel revealed that the pygmy elephants depended heavily on river water that became harder to find s conditions grew drier.

From Science Daily

As they drank hot milk and honey from white enamel mugs for breakfast, they passed close to a tiny village.

From Literature

Paranthropus has long been labeled the "nutcracker" genus, a nickname inspired by its massive jaws, thick tooth enamel, and oversized molars.

From Science Daily

When bacteria in the mouth break down sugars from food, they release acids that gradually erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• coating
• glaze
• lacquer
• stain
• varnish