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n. pl. ni·el·li (-ĕlē) or ni·el·los 1. Any of several black metallic alloys of sulfur with copper, silver, or lead, used to fill an incised design on the surface of another metal. 2. A surface or object decorated with one of these alloys. 3. The art or process of ornamenting metal surfaces with one of these alloys. tr.v. ni·el·loed, ni·el·lo·ing, ni·el·los To decorate or inlay with niello. [Italian, from Medieval Latin nigellum, from neuter of Latin nigellus, diminutive of niger, black; see nekw-t- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ni·ellist n.  (click for a larger image) niellosterling silver and niello shield-shaped shoe buckle |
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