The word 'filigree' is originally from French 'filigrane'

'Filigree' is a word borrowed from French 'filigrane'. The word entered the English language some time around 1693.

filigree [noun] [1693]

• ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
• ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design
• a pattern or design resembling such openwork
• ornamentation

Meaning: ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold; silver; or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces; ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design; a pattern or design resembling such openwork a filigree of frost.

Etymology: modification of French filigrane; from Italian filigrana; from Latin filum + granum grain corn.

Topics: Arts:Visual.

Origin: From French to Italian to Latin to English.

note: Meaning: Delicate ornamental openwork of fine wire. Etymology: From French filigrane via Italian filigrana from Latin filum and granum.

See 'filigree' on the Loan Words Map

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