filigree

IPA/ˈfɪlɪɡriː/
KK[fˈɪləɡrˌi]IPA/ˈfɪlɪɡriː/

filigree — noun

1. fine precious-metal threads twisted into elaborate decorative shapes, used to ma

1.名詞B2
釋義

fine precious-metal threads twisted into elaborate decorative shapes, used to make jewellery or to embellish objects

例句

Tariq bought his mother a silver filigree bracelet from the artisan market.

collocation: silver filigree + bracelet

The museum display showed a set of antique filigree earrings from India.

同義詞
  • lacework

    visually similar but made from thread or fabric, not metal

  • tracery

    architectural stone patterns rather than jewellery

文法句型

filigree + noun (e.g. filigree bracelet)

made of filigree

用法筆記

Typically uncountable as a material ('made of filigree'); countable when referring to a specific ornamental piece ('a delicate filigree').

常見錯誤

She bought a filigree necklace made of lace.
She bought a filigree necklace made of twisted metal wire.
💡Filigree is specifically metal wirework, not lace or thread.
The artisan works with filigrees.
The artisan works with filigree.
💡As a craft material, filigree is usually uncountable.

2. a delicate open design that looks like the patterns made by twisting metal wire,

2.名詞C1
釋義

a delicate open design that looks like the patterns made by twisting metal wire, often seen in metalwork, wood carving, or architecture

例句

The wrought-iron gate had an elegant filigree pattern of vines and leaves.

pattern: filigree pattern in metalwork

Sunlight shone through the filigree carvings in the old wooden screen.

同義詞
  • scrollwork

    ornamental curves, often less intricate than filigree

  • openwork

    any pierced decorative pattern, not limited to wire-like designs

文法句型

filigree pattern

filigree design

filigree of + noun

用法筆記

Often used attributively ('filigree pattern', 'filigree design') to describe a visual resemblance to metal filigree work. The material can be wood, stone, or metal.

常見錯誤

The window has a filigree of ice.
The window has a delicate ice pattern.
💡'Filigree of' is occasionally used metaphorically but is uncommon in everyday speech.

filigree — verb