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Ormolu: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ
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ormolu

 

[ ษ”หrหˆmษ’luห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

decorative art

Ormolu is a gilded metallic alloy, generally made from a mixture of copper, zinc, and sometimes tin, that is used for decorative purposes, particularly in furniture making. It is made by coating a base metal with gold and is often used in the creation of elaborate decorative objects, especially during the 18th century. Its use is characterized by intricate designs and the lustrous finish it provides.

Synonyms

gilded metal, gold-leafed bronze.

Examples of usage

  • The ormolu mounts on the antique clock added to its value.
  • Many chandeliers were adorned with ormolu decorations in the lavish ballroom.
  • The ormolu picture frames gave an air of elegance to the gallery.
  • Her collection included several ormolu candlesticks from the Regency period.

Translations

Translations of the word "ormolu" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค“เคฐเฅเคฎเฅ‹เคฒเฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพั€ะผะพะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒซใƒขใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜ค๋ฅด๋ชฐ๋ฃจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃูˆุฑู…ูˆู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฌงๅง†้ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั€ะผะพะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒ›แƒแƒšแƒฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ormolu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ormolu

Etymology

The term 'ormolu' originates from the French word 'or mรดle', which means 'ground gold'. This process of applying gold to a base metal dates back to the 17th century and became particularly popular in Europe during the Rococo and Neoclassical periods. Artisans used a technique called 'fire-gilding', where gold was often mercury-amalgamated onto a surface, resulting in a dazzling finish that was favored by wealthy patrons of the arts. Ormolu was primarily used in the furnishing of palaces and elite residences, and its intricate designs reflected the artistic styles of the time, making it a significant element of decorative arts. The technique saw a decline in use with the rise of industrial manufacturing methods in the 19th century, but period pieces remain highly sought after by collectors.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,701, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.