What does CUPEL mean?

Here is the result in HTML text formatting: Parts of Speech:

Noun, Verb

Definitions:

Noun: a small container made of bone ash used for assaying precious metals; a small shallow dish or tray made of bone ash, used for testing the purity of gold or silver by the action of the cupel on the metal.

Verb: refine (a precious metal) by cupellation.

Pronunciations:

US: /ˈkjuːpəl/

UK: /ˈkjuːpəl/

Origin and Usage:

The word "cupel" originated from the Old French word "coupele," which means "little cup." The noun form of "cupel" has been in use since the 14th century, while the verb form has been in use since the 16th century. The noun form refers to a small container made of bone ash used for assaying precious metals. The verb form refers to the process of refining a precious metal by cupellation, which involves heating the metal in a cupel so that impurities are oxidized and absorbed by the bone ash.

Synonyms:

Noun: crucible, assay cup, testing cup, testing dish

Verb: refine, purify, assay

Related Words:

coupe, cuppa, cuple

Example Sentences:

Noun: The assayer placed the gold in the cupel and heated it until the impurities were absorbed by the bone ash.

Verb: The jeweler cupelled the silver to remove the impurities and produce a pure metal.