noun , verb
■ noun / ˈɔːnəmənt; NAmE ˈɔːrn-/ ( formal )
1.
[ C ] an object that is used as decoration in a room, garden / yard, etc. rather than for a particular purpose :
a china / glass ornament
2.
[ C ] ( formal ) an object that is worn as jewellery
3.
[ U ] ( formal ) the use of objects, designs, etc. as decoration :
The clock is simply for ornament; it doesn't work any more.
4.
[ C ] ( NAmE ) ornament to sth a person or thing whose good qualities improve sth :
The building is an ornament to the city.
■ verb
/ ˈɔːnəment; NAmE ˈɔːrn-/ [ vn ] [ usually passive ] ( formal ) to add decoration to sth
SYN decorate :
a room richly ornamented with carving
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (also in the sense accessory ): from Old French ournement , from Latin ornamentum equipment, ornament, from ornare adorn. The verb dates from the early 18th cent.