enamel
UK[ɪˈnæm(ə)l]US[ɪˈnæm(ə)l]
n
a hard, shiny substance that is put on the surface of metal, clay, etc. for decoration or protection
n
the hard white outer layer of a tooth
n
a type of paint that produces a hard, shiny surface when it dries
Etymology
the word 'enamel' traces a fascinating path from a concrete craft process to an abstract material name. it originates from the old french 'esmail', meaning "enamel, smelting," which was borrowed from the frankish smalt, a germanic term meaning "to smelt" or "to fuse." this root is shared with the old high german 'smelzan' (to melt) and is connected to the process of fusing powdered glass to a metal surface at high temperatures. the semantic journey thus moves from the specific action of melting and fusing to the name of the vitreous, decorative substance itself. this meaning was later extended by analogy to describe the similarly hard, glossy, protective surface of teeth and, eventually, a type of glossy paint.
Analysis
the word 'enamel' is a simplex form. it entered english as a loanword from old french 'esmail'. its ultimate origin is germanic, from the frankish word smalt, related to the act of smelting or fusing.
Examples
the artist used blue enamel to decorate the copper vase.
brushing your teeth helps to protect the enamel from decay.
we need to buy some white enamel paint for the kitchen cabinets.