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filigran

filigree, delicately fine

adjective fee-lee-GRAN Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Sizes & Shapes

Origin: from Italian filigrana, Latin filum + granum

Also means

intricate, gossamer-thin

Usage Note

Filigran describes an object or structure that is extremely fine and delicately worked, like filigree jewellery or spider silk. It is used for both literal thin, intricate metalwork and more broadly for any delicate, fine structure — the filigree tracery of frost, a cobweb, or fine lace.

Examples

"Das filigrane Geäst der Birke zeichnete sich vor dem Winterhimmel ab."

Natural Translation

The delicate tracery of the birch branches stood out against the winter sky.

Literal Translation

The filigree branches of the birch drew themselves against the winter sky.

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