Definition

1. Noun:
   • Glass decorated by cutting or grinding facets: "Cut glass" refers to glassware, such as bowls, vases, or drinking glasses, that has been ornamented with patterns created by cutting, grinding, or polishing its surface with abrasive wheels. The decoration is characterized by sharp, often geometric, facets that reflect light.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The elegant decanter was made of fine cut glass. (The elegant decanter was ornamented with patterns created by cutting.)
  • She inherited a beautiful collection of antique cut glass. (She inherited a collection of antique glass decorated with cut facets.)

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term is often used attributively to describe objects made of such glass.
  • They served water in cut-glass tumblers. (They used drinking glasses decorated with cut patterns.)
  • The mansion featured a grand cut-glass chandelier. (The chandelier was made from glass ornamented with cut facets.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cut-glass (adjective): Used to describe something made of or resembling cut glass, often implying a sharp, clear, or refined quality.
  • She spoke with a cut-glass accent. (She spoke with a very refined and precise accent, metaphorically likened to the clarity of cut glass.)
• Glass-cutting (noun): The act or process of cutting glass.
• Engraved glass: Glass decorated by engraving, a related but distinct technique.

Synonyms

• Faceted glass: Glass with cut facets.
• Engraved crystal: (Note: "Crystal" often implies lead glass, which is frequently decorated by cutting.)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the decorative technique and the resulting product. It is not a general term for any glass that has been cut to size.
• It is distinct from "stained glass" (colored glass used in windows) and "etched glass" (glass decorated using acid or abrasives to create a frosted design).

Noun

1. glass decorated by cutting or grinding facets