hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
"The dentist applied fluoride varnish to strengthen the enamel on my teeth."
a colored glassy compound (opaque or partially opaque) that is fused to the surface of metal or glass or pottery for decoration or protection
"The artisan carefully applied a vibrant blue enamel to the copper dish before firing it in the kiln."
a paint that dries to a hard glossy finish
"The artist mixed white enamel into the oil paints to give the canvas a durable, shiny surface."
any smooth glossy coating that resembles ceramic glaze
"The dentist applied a white enamel to seal the crack in her tooth and give it a smooth, glossy finish."
An opaque, glassy coating baked onto metal or ceramic objects.
"The dentist applied a bright white enamel to protect the child's teeth from decay."
In plain English: Enamel is the hard, shiny outer layer that covers your teeth to protect them from damage and decay.
"She showed off her bright white enamel teeth after visiting the dentist."
Usage: The noun form refers specifically to the hard, glossy surface on items like teeth or cookware, whereas the verb describes the act of applying that coating. Avoid using "enamel" as a synonym for paint when referring to temporary wall decorations, as it implies a permanent, baked-on finish.
coat, inlay, or surface with enamel
"The artisan carefully applied a vibrant blue enamel to the silver spoon's bowl."
To coat or decorate with enamel.
"The artisan carefully painted and fired each piece to enamel the intricate floral patterns onto the ceramic plates."
In plain English: To enamel something means to cover it with a hard, shiny coating of paint or glass-like material.
"The dentist will enamel your teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to decay."
The word "enamel" comes from the Old French term for melted glass or glaze, which itself derives from a Germanic root meaning to melt. It entered Middle English via Anglo-Norman before becoming part of modern vocabulary.