filigree — delicate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: delicate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɪlɪɡriː/
Example Sentences
- The bride's tiara was adorned with delicate gold filigree that caught the light beautifully.
- My grandmother's filigree earrings are so intricate that I'm afraid to wear them anywhere crowded.
- The museum's collection includes stunning examples of Portuguese filigree from the 18th century.
filigree
NOUN[/ˈfɪlɪɡriː/]
delicate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire
a skilled artisan carefully shapes thin golden wire into elaborate swirling patterns with precision tools. The delicate wire forms intricate lace-like designs as it's twisted and curved into ornamental shapes. The finished section reveals beautiful decorative motifs made entirely from fine twisted metal threads. An apprentice watches closely, holding additional spools of silver wire ready for the next section. delicate ornamental work made from fine twisted wire being crafted by hand
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 17th century French 'filigrane,' combining Latin 'filum' (thread) and 'granum' (grain). The term described delicate metalwork that looked like fine threads arranged in grain-like patterns.
Breakdown
fili- (thread) + -gree (from granum, meaning grain)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The bride's tiara was adorned with delicate gold filigree that caught the light beautifully.”
“My grandmother's filigree earrings are so intricate that I'm afraid to wear them anywhere crowded.”
“The museum's collection includes stunning examples of Portuguese filigree from the 18th century.”
“He spent so much time creating filigree decorations that his friends joked he had 'wire-frame vision.'”
📚Related Words
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