Damascene

[ dam-uh-seen, dam-uh-seen ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the city of Damascus.
2. (lowercase) of or relating to the art of damascening.

noun

1. an inhabitant of Damascus.
2. (lowercase) work or patterns produced by damascening.

verb (used with object)

, Dam·a·scened, Dam·a·scen·ing.

1. (lowercase) Also dam·a·skeen [] to produce wavy lines on (Damascus steel).

damascene

¹

/ ˌdæməˈsiːn; ˈdæməˌsiːn /

verb

1. tr to ornament (metal, esp steel) by etching or by inlaying, usually with gold or silver

noun

1. a design or article produced by this process

adjective

1. of or relating to this process

Damascene

²

/ ˌdæməˈsiːn; ˈdæməˌsiːn /

adjective

1. of or relating to Damascus

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Damascus
2. a variety of domestic fancy pigeon with silvery plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of Damascene¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin Damascēnus of Damascus < Greek Damaskēnós, equivalent to Damask ( ós ) Damascus + -ēnos -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of Damascene¹

C14: from Latin damascēnus of Damascus

Example Sentences

When it comes to images, there are few Damascene moments, which is why most photojournalists are modest, if not pessimistic, about the influence of their work.

From New York Times

At Buuzecedi, a famous Damascene restaurant, men in bomber jackets sat at small, close-set tables, hunched over tea and falafel.

From New York Times

At the same time, he notes that people should not expect so-called "Damascene moments," or a situation when a person is suddenly convinced after being presented with incontrovertible evidence in a compelling way.

From Salon

The city goldsmiths have long been celebrated as virtuosos of engraving, fretwork, niello inlay, Damascene inlay, repoussé and other highly specialized techniques.

From New York Times

“That was my Damascene moment,” Spurrier wrote, “the moment when the seed was firmly planted for my life in wine.”

From Washington Post