French Conversation · Level 105
58 words
French word
filigrane
Pronunciation
IPA/filigʁan/
Meaning
- masculine nounwatermark
Example
Tiens la feuille contre la lumière et tu verras le filigrane.
Hold the sheet up to the light and you will see the watermark.
More examples
Le document scanné garde parfois un filigrane apparent.
The scanned document sometimes retains a visible watermark.
Core concept
A nearly hidden design in paper that becomes visible through differences in thickness or density.
Common phrases
appliquer un filigrane
apply a watermark
retirer le filigrane
remove the watermark
filigrane apparent
visible watermark
Similar words
marque d'eau: A faint design in paper or banknotes, visible when held up to the light, that helps verify them.
tampon: An inked mark pressed onto paper to record receipt or support administrative control.
Definition in French
Désigne un dessin intégré au papier, rendu visible par transmission de la lumière en raison d'une faible variation d'épaisseur ou de densité, et souvent employé pour l'identification, la sécurité ou l'ornementation.
Word origin
The word developed from Italian filigrana, the name of delicate wirework, and was extended to a fine design incorporated into paper.
Usage tips
- The fixed phrase en filigrane also describes something faintly present or suggested beneath the surface of a text or situation.
Other meanings
- filigreenoun
Related words
- filigranéwatermarkedadjective
- filigranagewatermarkingnoun