lost-wax process

[ lawst-waks, lost- ]
/ ˈlɔstˈwæks, ˈlɒst- /

noun Metallurgy.

a process of investment casting in which a refractory mold is built up around a pattern of wax and then baked so as to melt and drain off the wax.
Also called cire perdue.

Origin of lost-wax process

1930–35; translation of French cire perdue