niello

(nē el′ō)

noun pl. nielli or niellos

any of a number of alloys of sulfur with silver, lead, copper, etc., characterized by a deep-black color and used to decorate metallic objects by means of inlay
the process of decorating with niello
something decorated in this way

Origin: It < VL *nigellum < L nigellus, somewhat black, dark < niger, black

transitive verb nielloed, nielloing

to decorate with niello

Related Forms:

See niello in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ni·el·li (-ĕlˈē) or ni·el·los

Any of several black metallic alloys of sulfur with copper, silver, or lead, used to fill an incised design on the surface of another metal.
A surface or object decorated with one of these alloys.
The art or process of ornamenting metal surfaces with one of these alloys.

transitive verb ni·el·loed, ni·el·lo·ing, ni·el·los

To decorate or inlay with niello.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: , from Medieval Latin nigellum

Origin: , from neuter of Latin nigellus

Origin: , diminutive of niger, black; see nek^w-t- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: