pietra dura Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pi*e"tra du"ra
Etymology
It., hard stone.
Definitions
  1. (Fine Arts) Hard and fine stones in general, such as are used for inlay and the like, as distinguished from the softer stones used in building; thus, a Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura, though the ground may be soft marble.

Webster 1913