Dictionary.com

sgraffito

[ skrah-fee-toh; Italian zgrahf-fee-taw ]
/ skrɑˈfi toʊ; Italian zgrɑfˈfi tɔ /
Save This Word!

noun, plural sgraf·fi·ti [skrah-fee-tee; Italian zgrahf-fee-tee]. /skrɑˈfi ti; Italian zgrɑfˈfi ti/.

a technique of ornamentation in which a surface layer of paint, plaster, slip, etc., is incised to reveal a ground of contrasting color.
an object, especially pottery, decorated by this technique.

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
affect
effect
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT
Compare graffito.

Origin of sgraffito

1720–30; <Italian, past participle of sgraffire to do graffito work, derivative of sgraffio a scratch, implement for drawing, itself derivative of (s)graffiare to scratch, draw on plaster with a pointed tool; see ex1, graffito

Words nearby sgraffito

sgian-dhu, SGML, SGOT, SGP, SGPT, sgraffito, 's Gravenhage, Sgt., Sgt. Maj., sh, SHA
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for sgraffito

British Dictionary definitions for sgraffito

sgraffito
/ (sɡræˈfiːtəʊ) /

noun plural -ti (-tɪ)

a technique in mural or ceramic decoration in which the top layer of glaze, plaster, etc, is incised with a design to reveal parts of the ground
such a decoration
an object decorated in such a way

Word Origin for sgraffito

C18: from Italian, from sgraffire to scratch; see graffiti
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Learn A New Word Right Now!