| ormolu | A variety of brass made to resemble gold by the use of less zinc and more copper in its composition than ordinary brass contains. Its golden colour is often heightened by means of lacquer of some sort, or by use of acids. Called also mosaic gold. Ormolu varnish, a varnish applied to metals, as brass, to give the appearance of gold. Origin: F. Or moulu; or gold (L. Aurum) + moulu, p. P. Of moudre to grind, to mill, L. Molere. See Aureate, and Mill. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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