scagliola

A craftsman polishes a scagliola tabletop in his workshop.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Imitation stone: "scagliola" refers to a material made from plaster of Paris mixed with glue, colored with pigments, and polished to imitate marble or other ornamental stones. It is used especially in architectural decoration and furniture.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The columns in the cathedral were made of scagliola to mimic expensive marble. (Imitation stone used in architecture.)
  • Antique tables often feature scagliola tops that resemble finely veined stone. (Decorative furniture component.)

Advanced Usage

• "scagliola work": the process or result of creating decorative surfaces using scagliola.
  • The 18th-century palace is renowned for its intricate scagliola work on the walls. (Detailed imitation stone craftsmanship.)

Variants and Related Words

• Scagliolist (n): an artisan who specializes in making scagliola.
  • A skilled scagliolist can produce surfaces nearly indistinguishable from real marble. (Expert in imitation stone.)

Synonyms

• Imitation marble: a synthetic material that looks like marble.
• Stucco marble: a type of plaster finish that mimics stone.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly associated with "scagliola"; it is a specialized technical term.)