gesso

ges·so  (js)

n. pl. ges·soes

1. A preparation of plaster of Paris and glue used as a base for low relief or as a surface for painting.

2. A surface of gesso.

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[Italian, from Latin gypsum, gypsum; see gypsum.]

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gessoed adj.

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gesso [ˈdʒɛsəʊ]

n

1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) a white ground of plaster and size, used esp in the Middle Ages and Renaissance to prepare panels or canvas for painting or gilding

2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) any white substance, esp plaster of Paris, that forms a ground when mixed with water

[from Italian: chalk, gypsum]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

gesso - gypsum or plaster of Paris spread on a surface to make it suitable for painting or gilding (or a surface so prepared) gypsum - a common white or colorless mineral (hydrated calcium sulphate) used to make cements and plasters (especially plaster of Paris) plaster of Paris, plaster - any of several gypsum cements; a white powder (a form of calcium sulphate) that forms a paste when mixed with water and hardens into a solid; used in making molds and sculptures and casts for broken limbs