enamel
UK: ɪˈnæm.əl | US: ɪˈnæm.əl
n. a glossy, opaque coating fused to metal, glass, or pottery for decoration or protection
n. the hard, calcified substance covering the crown of a tooth
vt. to apply or decorate with enamel
The word "enamel" traces back to Old French esmail (modern émail), derived from Frankish smalt (glass-like substance), itself from Proto-Germanic smaltjan (to melt or smelt). The prefix en- (from Latin in-) emphasizes the application of the glassy coating onto a surface. Over time, the term expanded to include tooth enamel due to its similar hard, glossy appearance.
The artisan used blue enamel to decorate the copper vase.
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
She learned how to enamel jewelry in her metalworking class.
The antique box was adorned with intricate enamel designs.
Acidic drinks can erode dental enamel over time.