enamel

1 of 2

verb

enam·​el i-ˈna-məl 

enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling i-ˈna-mə-liŋ 

-ˈnam-liŋ

transitive verb

1

: to cover, inlay, or decorate with enamel

2

: to beautify with a colorful surface

3

: to form a glossy surface on (a material, such as paper, leather, or cloth)

enameler noun

enamelist

i-ˈna-mə-list 

noun

enamel

2 of 2

noun

1

: a usually opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal, glass, or pottery

2

: a surface or outer covering that resembles enamel

3

a

: something that is enameled

b

: enamelware

4

: a cosmetic intended to give a smooth or glossy appearance

5

: a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth see tooth illustration

6

: a paint that flows out to a smooth coat when applied and that dries with a glossy appearance

Examples of enamel in a Sentence

Noun

The tea set is decorated with enamel.

an artist who works with enamels

The museum has a fine collection of enamels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

For browning butter or making sauces, opt for this saucepan that’s made with the brand’s signature enameled cast iron. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024

The dragon’s scales are enameled, with the lower half of the body decorated using paillonné enamel – tiny pieces of gold leaf (paillons) are suspended between layers of translucent enamel, forming the floral monogram. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French enameller, from en- + asmal, esmal enamel, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smelzan to melt — more at smelt entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing enamel

• mottled enamel
• porcelain enamel

Kids Definition

enamel

1 of 2 verb

enam·​el in-ˈam-əl 

enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling -ˈam-(ə-)liŋ 

: to cover or decorate with enamel

enamel

2 of 2 noun

1

: a glassy substance used to coat the surface of metal, glass, or pottery

2

: a surface that resembles enamel

3

: a very hard outer layer covering the crown of a tooth

4

: a paint that turns to a smooth hard coat when applied and dries with a glossy appearance

Medical Definition

enamel

noun

enam·​el in-ˈam-əl 

: the intensely hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer partly covering the teeth of many vertebrates including humans, is the hardest substance of the animal body, and consists of minute prisms secreted by ameloblasts, arranged at right angles to the surface, and bound together by a cement substance compare cementum, dentin