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

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

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

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Alchemy Merch, a Phoenix-area maker of custom enamel pins, patches and other apparel accessories, decided in December that it would raise prices this year after absorbing added tariff costs in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2026

Nothing but some enamel, like small change in a pocket.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Related Words

• coating
• glaze
• lacquer
• stain
• varnish