Ormolu: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
ormolu
[ ษหrหmษluห ]
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:
๐ต๐น ormolu
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฐเฅเคฎเฅเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Ormolu
๐ฎ๐ฉ ormolu
๐บ๐ฆ ะพัะผะพะปั
๐ต๐ฑ ormolu
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใซใขใซ
๐ซ๐ท ormolu
๐ช๐ธ ormolu
๐น๐ท ormolu
๐ฐ๐ท ์ค๋ฅด๋ชฐ๋ฃจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูุฑู ูู
๐จ๐ฟ ormolu
๐ธ๐ฐ ormolu
๐จ๐ณ ๆฌงๅง้ฒ
๐ธ๐ฎ ormolu
๐ฎ๐ธ ormolu
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะพัะผะพะปั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแแฃ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ormolu
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
- ...
- 35698 spiralled
- 35699 lisped
- 35700 carnality
- 35701 ormolu
- 35702 brutalizing
- 35703 flirty
- 35704 mummification
- ...