rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryormoluGilded decorative metal
noun

ormolu

OR-muh-loo/ˈɔːrməluː/

Gold-coated bronze or brass used for decoration.

Ornate ormolu mounts decorate the dark wooden box.

A close view of a dark wooden decorative box with ornate gold-colored gilt-bronze mounts, emphasizing the gilded metal ornament rather than the box itself.
Etymology
orFrenchgold
+moluFrenchto grind

Literally “ground gold,” the expression first referred to gold leaf prepared for gilding. Its meaning shifted to gilded bronze and then to gold-looking metallic mixtures used for decoration.

More examples

  • The antique clock has an ormolu case.
  • She gently cleans the ormolu around the mirror.
  • The dealer identifies the golden trim as ormolu.

Forms

ormolu

Similar words

gilt
Refers to a gold coating rather than the coated metal.