filigree •\ˈfi-lə-ˌgrē\• noun and verb noun: delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire) verb: make filigree, as with a precious metal The word filigree has appeared in 42 New York Times articles in the past year, including on Nov. 17 in the blog post "France Nouveau" by Amy Wilentz: Though it is France's second-largest city, and its oldest, Marseille has never attracted the tourism of Lyons or of the Riviera towns. ... The refurbished Rue de la Republique extends down to the broad Canebiere, and together the two avenues make Marseille seem very grand. Other streets in other neighborhoods are narrow and filled with shadow. Grills, gratings and elegant Deco ironwork filigree the city. Cafe life overflows onto the curbsides, exuberant and loud. There are dozens of theaters, and always intelligent museum exhibitions. Learn more about the word "filigree" and see usage examples across a range of subjects on the Vocabulary dictionary.