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; cf. smalto

Explanation

Enamel is the glossy, decorative coating that's applied to metal or pottery to make it prettier and sometimes sturdier. You might cook a casserole in your favorite pot, made of blue enamel. Enamel is used in all kinds of everyday objects, including the surface of washing machines, baking dishes, and some bath tubs. The enamel itself is made from melted powdered glass, which can easily be fused to metal and other surfaces. The outer part of your teeth is also known as enamel, and though sugar and other foods can decay it, your tooth enamel is actually the strongest, hardest substance in your body.

Example Sentences

That day arrived when the enamel tub finally rusted through.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

"We've developed a process in which CANECPI-5 binds directly to tooth enamel, helping to make teeth more resistant to the action of acids produced by bacteria," Silva points out.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Researchers say CANECPI-5 is especially promising because it both protects enamel and helps regulate oral bacteria, making it valuable for future dental treatments.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Steam rises into white sky as enamel mugs are passed and sweet bread tears open near flame.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

I stared at the fufu on the enamel plate, which was chipped of its leaf-green color at the edges.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• coating
• glaze
• lacquer
• stain
• varnish