FILIGREE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does filigree mean? 

• FILIGREE (noun)
  The noun FILIGREE has 1 sense:

1. delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)

  Familiarity information: FILIGREE used as a noun is very rare.

• FILIGREE (verb)
  The verb FILIGREE has 1 sense:

1. make filigree, as with a precious metal

  Familiarity information: FILIGREE used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FILIGREE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

filagree; filigree; fillagree

Hypernyms ("filigree" is a kind of...):

embellishment (a superfluous ornament)

Derivation:

filigree (make filigree, as with a precious metal)

• FILIGREE (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Make filigree, as with a precious metal

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Hypernyms (to "filigree" is one way to...):

craft (make by hand and with much skill)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

filigree (delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire))

 Context examples 

The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles, and wandered helplessly about afterward, burdened with wax flowers, painted fans, filigree portfolios, and other useful and appropriate purchases.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The trees grew so thickly and their foliage spread so widely that I could see nothing of the moon-light save that here and there the high branches made a tangled filigree against the starry sky.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Lucy directly drew her work table near her and reseated herself with an alacrity and cheerfulness which seemed to infer that she could taste no greater delight than in making a filigree basket for a spoilt child.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

This hint was enough, Lucy recollected herself instantly and replied, Indeed you are very much mistaken, Lady Middleton; I am only waiting to know whether you can make your party without me, or I should have been at my filigree already.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

I am glad, said Lady Middleton to Lucy, you are not going to finish poor little Annamaria's basket this evening; for I am sure it must hurt your eyes to work filigree by candlelight.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)