n.
Pronunciation: ' fi-l ə - ˌ gr ē
Function: noun
Etymology: modification of French filigrane, from Italian filigrana, from Latin filum + granum grain ― more at CORN
Date: 1693
1 : ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
2 a : ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design b : a pattern or design resembling such openwork <a filigree of frost> c : ORNAMENTATION , EMBELLISHMENT <writings ⋯ heavy with late Victorian filigree ― Jack Beatty>
filigree 2a