celature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very low
UK/ˈselətʃə/US/ˈselətʃər/

Technical, formal, archaic

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Quick answer

What does “celature” mean?

The art or process of engraving or chasing, especially on metal.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The art or process of engraving or chasing, especially on metal.

The resulting engraved work or decoration.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No regional differences exist due to its extreme rarity.

Connotations

Both dialects would associate it exclusively with historical or fine art contexts.

Frequency

Equally rare and obsolete in both British and American English.

Grammar

How to Use “celature” in a Sentence

[The] celature on the [object] was [adjective].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
fine celatureancient celaturemetal celature
medium
delicate celaturedecorative celaturecelature on gold
weak
elaborate celaturedetailed celaturebeautiful celature

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Unused.

Academic

Used in niche art history or archaeology texts.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Used in antique metalworking or numismatics.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “celature”

Strong

intaglioincised decoration

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “celature”

plain surfaceunadorned metal

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “celature”

  • Pronouncing it 'sell-uh-ture' (it's 'sell-uh-chure').
  • Using it to refer to modern digital engraving.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is an extremely rare and archaic term used only in very specific technical or historical contexts.

Not accurately. It is specific to engraving or chasing on metal.

Celature typically refers more broadly to the art or result of engraving, while chasing specifically involves shaping metal from the front with hammers and punches.

No, there is no commonly used verb 'to celate'. The related verbs are 'to engrave' or 'to chase'.

The art or process of engraving or chasing, especially on metal.

Celature is usually technical, formal, archaic in register.

Celature: in British English it is pronounced /ˈselətʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈselətʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'CELESTIAL ATTRACTION': The 'cel' in celature, like the 'cel' in celestial, makes you think of something heavenly and finely crafted, like engraved art.

Conceptual Metaphor

WRITING ON METAL (craftsmanship as a language of decoration).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The on the medieval reliquary was so fine it was thought to be the work of a master craftsman.
Multiple Choice

In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'celature'?