'Pietra dura' definitions:

Definition of 'Pietra dura'

From: GCIDE
  • Pietra dura \Pi*e"tra du"ra\ [It., hard stone.] (Fine Arts) Hard and fine stones in general, such as are used for inlay and the like, as distinguished from the softer stones used in building; thus, a Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura, though the ground may be soft marble. [1913 Webster]