ormolu

[ awr-muh-loo ]

noun

1. Also called mosaic gold. an alloy of copper and zinc used to imitate gold.
2. Also called bronze doré, gilded metal, especially cast brass or bronze gilded over fire with an amalgam of gold and mercury, used for furniture mounts and ornamental objects.
3. gold or gold powder prepared for use in gilding.

ormolu

/ ˈɔːməˌluː /

noun

1. 1. a gold-coloured alloy of copper, tin, or zinc used to decorate furniture, mouldings, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      an ormolu clock

2. gold prepared to be used for gilding

Word History and Origins

Origin of ormolu¹

1755–65; < French or moulu ground gold, equivalent to or (< Latin aurum ) + moulu, past participle of moudre to grind < Latin molere

Word History and Origins

Origin of ormolu¹

C18: from French or moulu ground gold

Example Sentences

We should tell of the ormolu mounts of the little table, and how it really once belonged to Marie Antoinette.

From Project Gutenberg

The tall bronze girandoles were Cupids supporting branches of flowers in ormolu to hold candles.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a good example of the best Empire work, and is mahogany ornamented with ormolu mounts in classic style.

From Project Gutenberg

They preferred the small clocks in ebony or alabaster casings with ormolu mounts.

From Project Gutenberg

I can see the rooms crusted with ormolu, the fauns foisted on the ceiling, the ripping rident goddesses on the walls.

From Project Gutenberg