n.
Pronunciation: n ē - ' e-( ˌ )l ō
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ni · el · li \ -( ˌ )l ē \ or niellos
Etymology: Italian, from Medieval Latin nigellum, from neuter of Latin nigellus blackish, diminutive of niger black
Date: 1816
1 : any of several black enamel-like alloys usually of sulfur with silver, copper, and lead
2 : the art or process of decorating metal with incised designs filled with niello
3 : a piece of metal or an object decorated with niello