silver-plating
Thin metallic covering
Silver-plating is the process of coating a base metal with a thin layer of silver, typically through electroplating.
The technique gives objects the appearance and some properties of solid silver at lower cost.
Silver-plated items—flatware, jewelry, trays—are common: The candlesticks aren't sterling; they're just silver-plating.
Figuratively, silver-plating can mean adding a superficial layer of quality or refinement to something ordinary.
Reddish-brown metallic element
- nickelElement twenty-eight, or coin
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- bronzeCopper-tin alloy
- pewterTin-based tableware alloy
rhodium · chrome · gold · zinc · alloy · substrate · sterling · flatware
Electrically depositing metal layers
- coatingApplied surface covering
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- anodizingElectrolytic metal surface treatment
- galvanizingSpurring into sudden action
buffing · polishing · finishing · dipping · immersion · brushing · substrate · adhesion
Electrode current exits through
- anodeOxidation electrode
- electrodeConductive interface point
- electrolyteConductive dissolved substance
- currentDirected flow of charge
voltage · amperage · conductivity · electrochemical · reduction · oxidation · ions · galvanic
Softly bright, reflective
reflective · bright · mirrorlike · glossy · buffed · tarnish · patina · brilliance
For beauty, not function
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- engravedCut into surface
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- chasedFollowed to catch
etched · monogrammed · heirloom · antique · Victorian · Georgian · rococo · baroque
Kills or inhibits germs
- germicidalAble to kill microbes
- bactericidalAble to destroy microbes
- hygienicClean and disease-preventing
- sanitizingEliminating harmful microorganisms
copper
Reddish-brown metallic element
pewter · rhodium · chrome · gold · zinc · alloy · substrate · sterling · flatware · cutlery
electroplating
Electrically depositing metal layers
- coatingApplied surface covering
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- anodizingElectrolytic metal surface treatment
galvanizing · buffing · polishing · finishing · dipping · immersion · brushing · substrate · adhesion · thickness
cathode
Electrode current exits through
- anodeOxidation electrode
- electrodeConductive interface point
- electrolyteConductive dissolved substance
current · voltage · amperage · conductivity · electrochemical · reduction · oxidation · ions · galvanic · circuit
lustrous
Softly bright, reflective
polish · reflective · bright · mirrorlike · glossy · buffed · tarnish · patina · brilliance · shimmer
ornamental
For beauty, not function
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- engravedCut into surface
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
chased · etched · monogrammed · heirloom · antique · Victorian · Georgian · rococo · baroque · ceremonial
antimicrobial
Kills or inhibits germs
- germicidalAble to kill microbes
- bactericidalAble to destroy microbes
- hygienicClean and disease-preventing
sanitizing · medical-grade · sterile · disinfectant · catheters
silver-platingsterling silver
Jewelry-quality alloyed precious metal
solid gold · the real thing · genuine article · through and through · authentic