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

Braydon’s first word was “ormolu” — a gold-colored alloy of copper, zinc and sometimes tin.

From Seattle Times

Clars had described the clocks in its auction catalog as “a rare pair of Chinese ormolu bronze automaton clocks” manufactured in a workshop in the southern port city of Guangzhou.

From New York Times

No gilded ormolu appears, certainly, but pieces are not without decorative flourishes.

From Wall Street Journal

De la Renta’s longtime friend John Richardson, writing of that particular domestic incarnation, recalled how "the flicker of candles highlights the glint of ormolu, the gleam of marble and bronze."

From Architectural Digest

It took months to bring back the shine of its ormolu bronze decorations, but when it was finally in place in the living room, I felt a rush of emotion.

From New York Times