Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Damask steel

Damask steel

9.9
Hard steel with a wavy pattern used to make strong, decorated sword blades
  • noun
  • /ˈdæmək ˈstiːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acero damasquinado
  • The swordsmith was famous for crafting blades from Damask steel with intricate swirling patterns.

Examples

  • The Damask steel blade retained its sharp edge even after years of use.

  • Collectors prize antique swords made of Damask steel for their strength and beauty.

  • The sword was crafted from Damask steel.

  • Many artisans prefer Damask steel for its durability.

  • Collectors prize antique swords made of Damask steel for their strength and beauty.

  • The Damask steel blade retained its sharp edge even after years of use.

  • The swordsmith was famous for crafting blades from Damask steel with intricate swirling patterns.

Synonyms

Damascus steel
vsDamask steel
  • Specialized
1 8.5

A strong, hard steel with wavy patterns often used for sword blades

is more decorative and stresses ornate patterned surface over cutting strength

Surface Forms

Damask steel singular
Damask steels plural

Morphology

Damask + steel

The phrase is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: 'Damask' (referring to the damask/Damascus patterned finish) modifies 'steel', so the meaning 'steel with a characteristic patterned surface' is directly derivable from the parts. Although 'Damask' is less frequent, if a learner knows that constituent the construction follows normal modifier+noun semantics and is thus transparent.

Etymology

Damask steel comes from the old city of Damascus, where blades showed dark and light wavy lines that looked like the patterned cloth called damask. So, Damask steel now means 'strong steel with a visible, wavy pattern', often used for swords.