noun
- a translucent shell from a marine bivalve mollusk, used in windows, decorative panels, and ornaments
Usage: also called windowpane shell; primarily from the Philippines; used in traditional and contemporary design
Examples
- The traditional Filipino house featured capiz windows that allowed soft, diffused light to enter.
- Capiz shells are harvested and polished to create beautiful decorative panels.
- She hung capiz ornaments in her window to catch the sunlight.
- The artisan carefully cut the capiz into small pieces for the mosaic design.
- Capiz has been used in Southeast Asian architecture for centuries.