niello

[nee-el-oh]

noun

plural

nielli 

1. a black metallic substance, consisting of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, with which an incised design or ground is filled to produce an ornamental effect on metal.

2. ornamental work so produced.

3. a specimen of such work.

4. a print on paper made from an incised metal plate before the application of niello and associated especially with 15th-century Italy.

verb (used with object)

nielloed, nielloing 

1. to decorate by means of niello; treat with niello or by the niello process.

niello

/ nɪˈɛləʊ /

noun

1. a black compound of sulphur and silver, lead, or copper used to incise a design on a metal surface

2. the process of decorating surfaces with niello

3. a surface or object decorated with niello

verb

1. (tr) to decorate or treat with niello

Other Word Forms

• niellist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of niello¹

1810–20; < Italian < Latin nigellus blackish, diminutive of niger black

Word History and Origins

Origin of niello¹

C19: from Italian from Latin nigellus blackish, from niger black

Example Sentences

After a multi-year campaign by Save the Snakes, state Sen. Roger Niello and the California Rice Commission, the bill was signed into law Thursday.

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“It might be a good idea for the governor to remember that while Republicans are a minority here, nonetheless, we’ve got a lot of Republicans involved in state government, and we would be every bit as concerned about the fiscal impacts,” Niello said about disaster assistance and other issues.

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But, in light of a recent report by the State Auditor’s Office concluding that the state has failed to adequately monitor the outcomes of its vast spending on homelessness programs, Niello remained skeptical.

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Homelessness spending should ultimately be directed at getting people to self-sufficiency, Niello said.

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“He used the word accountable and accountability so many times that if I had a nickel for every time he used it, I would have enough to pay for the lunch I’m going to,” Niello said.

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