# enamel

/ɪˈnæməɫ/ (US) · /ɪnˈæməl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enamel
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. tooth covering

noun · CEFR B2

the hard, white outer layer that covers and protects your teeth.

For teachers: the hard, highly mineralised substance that forms the outer protective layer of the crown of a tooth.

- Drinking too many sugary sodas can damage the enamel on your teeth.
- Acid erosion can lead to the permanent loss of tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath and increasing the risk of cavities.

### 2. glassy coating

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a smooth, shiny coating baked onto metal, glass, or clay objects to protect them.

For teachers: an opaque or semi-transparent glassy substance applied to metallic or ceramic surfaces for protection or decoration.

- The blue enamel on the vintage cooking pot was still bright and shiny.
- The artisan applied several layers of vitreous enamel to the copper base before firing it in the kiln at high temperatures.

### 3. glossy paint

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of paint that dries to a very hard, smooth, and shiny finish.

For teachers: a paint that air-dries to a hard, usually glossy, finish, used for coating surfaces that are in outdoor qualities or otherwise subject to wear.

- He used a white enamel paint for the window frames to make them easy to clean.
- The contractor recommended a high-quality exterior enamel for the metal railings to prevent rust and maintain a polished appearance.

### 4. to coat a surface

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to cover something with a hard, shiny layer of enamel.

For teachers: to coat, decorate, or provide a glossy finish to a surface with enamel.

- The jeweler decided to enamel the pendant with a deep red color.
- The process to enamel the dial of a luxury watch requires extreme precision to ensure the surface remains perfectly level and free of bubbles.

## Examples

- Sugary drinks can damage the enamel on your teeth.
- The dentist warned that brushing too hard can wear down the protective enamel over time.
- The artisan applied a delicate layer of blue enamel to the copper vase before firing it in the kiln to achieve a glossy finish.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.