ornamentation
- Noun:
- The act or process of decorating or adorning something: "Ornamentation" refers to the action of adding decorative elements to enhance the appearance of an object, building, or piece of art.
- A thing or set of things used to beautify: "Ornamentation" can also refer to the decorative elements themselves, such as carvings, patterns, or embellishments.
- The state of being ornamented: This meaning describes the condition of something that has been decorated.
As the act of decorating:
- The ornamentation of the cathedral took over a century to complete.
- Excessive ornamentation can sometimes detract from a design's simplicity.
As the decorative elements themselves:
- The intricate ornamentation on the antique vase was breathtaking.
- The architect favored clean lines over elaborate ornamentation.
Describing the state of being decorated:
- The hall's rich ornamentation was a testament to the wealth of its former owners.
In music: Refers to the addition of notes (e.g., trills, grace notes) to a melody to make it more elaborate.
- The singer's skillful ornamentation of the aria received a standing ovation.
In biology: Refers to a feature of an animal, especially a male, that serves to attract mates but may have no other apparent function.
- The peacock's tail is a classic example of sexual ornamentation.
Ornament (n/v): A decorative object; to decorate.
- The Christmas tree was covered in ornaments.
- They ornamented the frame with gold leaf.
Ornamental (adj): Serving or intended as an ornament; decorative.
- The garden features several ornamental shrubs.
Ornate (adj): Made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns.
- The room had an ornate, gilded ceiling.
- Decoration: The process or art of decorating something.
- Embellishment: A decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more attractive.
- Adornment: Something that adds attractiveness; decoration.
- Plainness: The quality of being simple and unadorned.
- Austerity: Sternness or severity of manner or attitude; in design, a stark simplicity.
Architectural ornamentation: Decorative details on buildings (e.g., moldings, friezes, gargoyles).
- Gothic architecture is known for its elaborate architectural ornamentation.
Baroque ornamentation: Refers to the highly detailed and extravagant style of decoration characteristic of the Baroque period.
- The palace is a masterpiece of Baroque ornamentation.
- the act of adding extraneous decorations to something
- something used to beautify
- the state of being ornamented