ornament

¹or·na·ment

noun \ˈȯr-nə-mənt\

Definition of ORNAMENT

1

archaic : a useful accessory

2

a : something that lends grace or beauty b : a manner or quality that adorns

3

: one whose virtues or graces add luster to a place or society

4

: the act of adorning or being adorned

5

: an embellishing note not belonging to the essential harmony or melody —called also embellishment, fioritura

Examples of ORNAMENT

1. She wore a hair ornament.
2. The columns are there purely as ornament—they have no structural function.

Origin of ORNAMENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French urnement, ornement, from Latin ornamentum, from ornare

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ORNAMENT

Synonyms: adornment, beautifier, caparison, doodad, embellisher, embellishment, frill, garnish, garnishment, garniture, decoration, ornamentation, setoff, trim

Related Words: apparel, bells and whistles, blazonry, bric-a-brac, chichi, emblazonry, filigree, finery, foofaraw, frippery, frosting, froufrou; fal-lal, flounce, flourish, furbelow, ruffle; enhancement, enrichment, improvement; appliqué, embossment, embroidery, fancywork; bedizenment, gilt, glitter; design, figure, pattern; furnishings, regalia, trappings

Near Antonyms: blemish, defacement, disfigurement, scar; blot, spot, stain

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