enamelled
enamelled — adjective
- enamelledpositive
- more enamelledcomparative
- most enamelledsuperlative
1. describes an object whose outer surface is covered with a hard, glass-like coati
describes an object whose outer surface is covered with a hard, glass-like coating that was bonded by heat, for decoration or protection
The shop sold beautiful enamelled jewellery made by hand in India.
describes handcrafted decorative items
Mei-Lin polished the enamelled surface of the antique teapot until it shone.
The kitchen had white enamelled cupboards that were easy to wipe clean.
Dr. Okafor collected enamelled badges from different countries around the world.
The little enamelled box on her desk held paper clips and sewing pins.
用法筆記
This sense is used mainly for metal objects such as jewellery, badges, cookware, and decorative boxes.
enamelled — noun
1. a material made from melted glass powder that becomes hard and shiny when cool,
a material made from melted glass powder that becomes hard and shiny when cool, applied to metal, clay, or glass items to add colour or protect the surface
The artist heated the enamel in a small kiln until it became liquid.
verb + enamel: heat enamel in a kiln
Theo learned to apply enamel to copper sheets during an art workshop.
Vintage advertising signs made of enamel are very popular with collectors.
The enamel on the old pot had started to chip away after years of use.
Traditional cloisonné uses thin metal wires to separate different colours of enamel.
- glaze
used mainly for ceramic coatings; chemically different but visually similar
用法筆記
When referring to the material in general, enamel is uncountable ('enamel is made from glass powder'). When referring to a particular piece coated with it, it can be countable ('a rare Ming enamel').
2. a thick, hard-wearing paint that leaves a smooth, shiny surface once it has drie
a thick, hard-wearing paint that leaves a smooth, shiny surface once it has dried, often used on wood, metal, or walls
Fatima used white enamel paint for the window frames in the living room.
The Watanabe family painted their front door with black enamel to match the iron gate.
collocation: [colour] enamel paint
Enamel paint dries slowly but gives a much harder finish than ordinary wall paint.
The night-shift nurse touched up the chipped enamel on the bathroom cabinet.
Oil-based enamel provides a durable surface for outdoor wooden furniture.
- gloss paint
a more general term for any shiny paint; enamel is a specific type of gloss paint
- varnish
a clear coating, not a coloured paint
用法筆記
Enamel paint is distinct from standard emulsion or latex paints — it dries harder and is more resistant to moisture, so it is often used for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor surfaces.
常見錯誤
3. the hard, pale outer layer on the visible part of a tooth, which protects the so
the hard, pale outer layer on the visible part of a tooth, which protects the softer material inside from damage and decay
Sugary drinks can slowly wear away the enamel on your teeth.
The dentist said the patient's enamel was thin and needed extra protection.
passive: enamel was [adjective] + needed [noun]
Fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Theo brushed his teeth carefully every morning to keep his enamel healthy.
Acid from citrus fruits can soften the enamel if you brush too soon after eating.
用法筆記
Unlike the other senses of enamel, this meaning has no connection to manufacturing or craft — it refers specifically to a biological substance. Singular only; never used in the plural.
常見錯誤
4. any smooth, hard, shiny surface on an object that looks like the glass-like coat
any smooth, hard, shiny surface on an object that looks like the glass-like coating used on metal or pottery
The enamel on the new cooker was easy to wipe clean after cooking.
Linnea chose a fridge with a glossy enamel finish that showed no fingerprints.
collocation: glossy enamel finish
Cheap jewellery often uses a plastic coating that mimics enamel.
The enamel on the laboratory counter resisted acid spills and heat damage.
The car's enamel paint job stayed shiny for more than ten years without fading.
enamelled — verb
- enamelledpresent simple I / you / we / they
- enamelleds3rd person singular
- enamelleding-ing form
- enamellededpast simple
1. to cover the surface of a metal, glass, or clay object with a layer of hard, shi
to cover the surface of a metal, glass, or clay object with a layer of hard, shiny, glass-like material by melting it onto the object using heat
The craftsman enamelled the silver brooch by hand in his small workshop.
Theo learned to enamel copper dishes at a weekend workshop in Taipei.
enamel [object] at [event/place]
The factory enamelled thousands of metal road signs every single month.
The artisan carefully enamelled the inside of the gold ring with bright blue pigment.
The Watanabe family commissioned an artist to enamel their family crest onto a plate.
文法句型
enamel + noun
be enamelled + with/by
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive form, especially when describing the finished object ('the brooch was enamelled by a master craftsman'). The active form is used when describing the action of the craftsperson.
2. to make the surface of something look more attractive by giving it a bright, col
to make the surface of something look more attractive by giving it a bright, colourful, glossy appearance that resembles an enamel coating
Spring rains enamelled the meadow with thousands of tiny wildflowers.
figurative use: enamelled with [natural element]
The morning sun enamelled the rooftops of the old town with a golden light.
Ivy had enamelled the north-facing stone wall with deep green leaves.
The autumn colours enamelled the hillsides in shades of red and orange.
文法句型
enamel + noun + with [colour/decorative element]
用法筆記
This is a literary sense, found mainly in poetry and descriptive prose. In everyday English, words like 'decorate' or 'colour' are used instead. Not used in technical or craft contexts.
3. in manufacturing, to give paper, leather, or fabric a smooth, bright surface thr
in manufacturing, to give paper, leather, or fabric a smooth, bright surface through a special finishing process
The printing company enamelled the wedding invitations for a more polished look.
passive-compatible: enamelled for [purpose]
High-end art magazines are usually printed on specially enamelled paper.
collocation: enamelled paper
The factory enamelled the leather to give it the typical patent-leather shine.
The book cover was enamelled to make it more resistant to fingerprints.
文法句型
be enamelled
用法筆記
This sense is specific to industrial or commercial finishing processes. It is not used in everyday conversation about glossy surfaces.