varnish

¹var·nish

noun \ˈvär-nish\

Definition of VARNISH

1

a : a liquid preparation that when applied to a surface dries to form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating

b : the covering or glaze given by the application of varnish

c (1) : something that suggests varnish by its gloss (2) : a coating (as of deposits in an internal combustion engine) comparable to varnish

2

: outside show : ¹gloss

3

chiefly British : a liquid nail polish

— var·nishy \-ni-shē\ adjective

Examples of VARNISH

1. She accidentally scratched the varnish.

Origin of VARNISH

Middle English vernisch, from Anglo-French vernis, from Old Italian or Medieval Latin; Old Italian vernice, from Medieval Latin veronic-, veronix sandarac

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with VARNISH

garnish, tarnish

²varnish

transitive verb

Definition of VARNISH

1

: to apply varnish to

2

: to cover or conceal (as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : ²gloss

3

: adorn, embellish

— var·nish·er \ˈvär-ni-shər\ noun

First Known Use of VARNISH

14th century

var·nish

noun \ˈvär-nish\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VARNISH

: any of various liquid preparations that when spread and allowed to dry on a surface form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating and that include some used in dentistry to line deep cavities in order to protect the pulp of a tooth

—varnish transitive verb