Enamel
/ɪˈnæməl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA hard, glossy, usually opaque substance applied to the surface of metal, pottery, etc., as a decorative or protective coating; the hard, outer covering of a tooth.
/ɪˈnæməl/
A hard, shiny coating
The dentist checked the health of my tooth enamel.
💡 Simply: Imagine the super-strong, shiny outer layer of your teeth – that's enamel! It's like a protective shield or a beautiful, shiny paint on things like jewelry or art.
👶 For kids: The hard, shiny cover on your teeth or on pretty things like jewelry.
More Examples
The artist used enamel paints to create a long-lasting, vibrant image.
The antique box was decorated with colorful enamel designs.
How It's Used
"Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body."
"The artist used enamel paints to create a vibrant finish."
"The bracelet featured delicate enamel work on the clasp."
To coat (metal, pottery, etc.) with enamel; to decorate with enamel.
/ɪˈnæməl/
To coat with enamel
The jeweler enamelled the brooch with bright colors.
💡 Simply: To put that hard, shiny coating (like enamel) on something, like painting it to make it look nice and protect it.
👶 For kids: To paint something with enamel, to make it shiny and pretty.
More Examples
She decided to enamel the old teapot to give it a new life.
They enamelled the car's body to prevent rust.
How It's Used
"The artist enamelled the metal sculpture."
"The factory enamels metal parts to protect them from rust."
From Old French *enamel* (to enamel), from a Germanic source. Related to the word 'smelt'.
Historically used in art for decorative purposes since ancient times. Used in jewelry and various manufacturing processes since the medieval period. It also references the outer coating of teeth and the term appeared from the 14th century onwards.
Memory tip
Think of the shiny, protective coating on a tooth or a piece of jewelry.