ornamentation

American  

[awr-nuh-men-tey-shuhn, ‑muhn‑] / ˌɔr nə mɛnˈteɪ ʃən, ‑mən‑ /

noun

1. the act of ornamenting.

2. the state of being ornamented.

3. something with which a thing is ornamented; embellishment.

4. ornaments collectively.

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Etymology

Origin of ornamentation

First recorded in 1850–1855

Explanation

Ornamentation can refer to materials or features used for decoration. The ornamentation in a fancy mansion might include crystal chandeliers, silk curtains, and thick carpets. In addition to referring to materials for decoration, ornamentation can also mean the act of decorating or the state of being decorated. If your friend is constantly redecorating her room in extravagant ways, she probably enjoys the process of ornamentation. A heavily decorated house is in a state of ornamentation. However it’s used, ornamentation involves making things look prettier — or at least more elaborate. A single object used for ornamentation can be called an ornament.

Example Sentences

Ornamentation was sparse; the sopranos Jolle Greenleaf and Molly Quinn were among the few soloists who added much.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2010

Ornamentation was entirely neglected, for a book of this character was made for use and not for show.

From Bibliomania in the Middle Ages by Merryweather, Frederick Somner

Ornamentation varies greatly; some bones show only a few tubercles, whereas others exhibit an almost concentric pattern of closely spaced striae.

From A New Genus of Pennsylvania Fish (Crossoperygii, Coelacanthiformes) from Kansas by Echols, Joan

Ornamentation is in the highest sense of the word a Fine Art; there is no art more noble, none more exalted.

From Principles of Decorative Design Fourth Edition by Dresser, Christopher

Ornamentation of any kind makes the foot look larger.

From Social Life or, The Manners and Customs of Polite Society by Cooke, Maud C.

Related Words

• embellishment