enamel Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
tooth enamel.
noun a colored glassy compound (opaque or partially opaque) that is fused to the surface of metal or glass or pottery for decoration or protection
noun a paint that dries to a hard glossy finish
noun any smooth glossy coating that resembles ceramic glaze
verb coat, inlay, or surface with enamel

Pref. en- + amel. See Amel, Smelt, v. t.

A variety of glass, used in ornament, to cover a surface, as of metal or pottery, and admitting of after decoration in color, or used itself for inlaying or application in varied colors.
(Min.) A glassy, opaque bead obtained by the blowpipe.
That which is enameled; also, any smooth, glossy surface, resembling enamel, especially if variegated.
(Anat.) The intensely hard calcified tissue entering into the composition of teeth. It merely covers the exposed parts of the teeth of man, but in many animals is intermixed in various ways with the dentine and cement.

imperfect & past participle Enameled or Enamelled; present participle & verbal noun Enameling or Enamelling

To lay enamel upon; to decorate with enamel whether inlaid or painted.
To variegate with colors as if with enamel.
Oft he [the serpent]bowed His turret crest and sleek enameled neck. Milton.
To form a glossy surface like enamel upon; as, to enamel card paper; to enamel leather or cloth.
To disguise with cosmetics, as a woman's complexion.