niello
1 of 2noun
ni·el·lo nē-ˈe-(ˌ)lō 
plural nielli nē-ˈe-(ˌ)lē or niellos
or niellos 1
: any of several black enamel-like alloys usually of sulfur with silver, copper, and lead
2
: the art or process of decorating metal with incised designs filled with niello
3
: a piece of metal or an object decorated with niello
niello
2 of 2verb
nielloed; nielloing; niellos
transitive verb
: to inlay or ornament with niello
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Nora Mcgreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2020
Noun
Cleaning revealed the cross’ ornate decorations of black niello, or metallic alloy, and gold leaf. Nora Mcgreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2020 Word History
Etymology
Noun
Italian, from Medieval Latin nigellum, from neuter of Latin nigellus blackish, diminutive of niger black
First Known Use
Noun
1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1866, in the meaning defined above