Venetian mirror
- noun
- /vəˈniːʃən ˈmɪrər/
:
espejo veneciano
- The foyer features an 18th-century Venetian mirror with intricate designs around the edges.
- 16th-century Venetian mirror
Examples
-
The barn's powder room has a Venetian mirror above the sink, enhancing the room's charm.
-
She has a Venetian mirror in her bedroom.
Fiction book (2002) -
She has a Venetian mirror in her bedroom that beautifully reflects the light.
Synonyms
775
1.0
A smooth surface that shows a clear image of things
67
9.9
A mirror used to see your face when dressing
10
8.7
A mirror often used to check your face and clothes
1
8.9
A tall narrow mirror on the wall between two windows
A tall, narrow mirror placed between windows or columns for decoration
A tall full-length mirror in a frame that can tilt
A small mirror with a handle for looking at your face
How Decorative
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'Venetian' (of or relating to Venice) modifies 'mirror' (a reflective glass), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a mirror made in or in the style of Venice. The adjective+noun pattern indicating origin or style is common cross-linguistically and therefore immediately understandable from the constituents.
Etymology
Venetian mirror may come from the famous glassmakers of Venice in the 1500s who made very clear glass and backed it with shiny metal to make a bright, almost perfect mirror. That's why today a Venetian mirror means a highly decorated, fine mirror that gives a 'clear reflection'.