ebonize

English

Etymology

From ebony +‎ -ize.

Verb

ebonize (third-person singular simple present ebonizes, present participle ebonizing, simple past and past participle ebonized)

1. (transitive) To give wood the color or texture of ebony.

   Coordinate term: japan

   • 1884, Walter P. Manton, Beginnings with the Microscope: a Working Handbook Containing Simple Instructions in the Art and Method of Using the Microscope and Preparing Objects for Examination, page 58:

     To ebonize, the table top is painted over several times with a strong solution of logwood, and when this is nearly dry the whole is brushed over with the iron vinegar...

   • 1896, Eleanor Rowe, Hints on Chip-carving and Simple Northern Styles:

     Kawrie Pine is a tougher wood, and ebonizes very well, but requires some strength to carve.

   • 1998, Dan Cooper, Old House Interiors, Vol. 4, No. 3, page 29:

     Ebonized furniture is the DeLorean of the furniture world; few other styles speak so directly of their time and place.

   • 2000, Doug Stowe, Simply Beautiful Boxes:

     Ebonize and finish the pulls to match the feet and trim strips.

   • 2010, Bob Flexner, Understanding Wood Finishing - How to Select and Apply the Right Finish:

     The reason black dye works so well for ebonizing wood is that dye is transparent.

Usage notes

• Not to be confused with ebonify.

Related terms

• ebonization