Tombac (Noun)
Meaning
An alloy of copper and zinc (and sometimes arsenic) used to imitate gold in cheap jewelry and for gilding.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The inexpensive necklace was made of tombac, a cheap alternative to solid gold that was often used in costume jewelry.
- The tombac coating on the earrings began to wear off, revealing the base metal underneath.
- Tombac was a popular choice for making fake gold coins during times of economic hardship.
- To give the decorative frame a luxurious look, the manufacturer used a layer of tombac to cover the metal.
- The antique dealer warned her customers that the "gold" jewelry they were buying was actually made of tombac.