First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1varnish
noun var·nish \ˈvär-nish\
: a liquid that is spread on a surface and that dries to form a hard, shiny coating
: the hard, shiny coating that is produced by varnish
Full 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
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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
2varnish
verb
: to cover (something) with varnish
Full Definition of VARNISH
transitive verb
1
: to apply varnish to
2
: to cover or conceal (as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : 2gloss
See varnish defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of VARNISH
14th century
VARNISHER Defined for Kids
1varnish
noun var·nish \ˈvär-nish\
Definition of VARNISH for Kids
: a liquid that is spread on a surface and dries into a hard coating
2varnish
verb
var·nishedvar·nish·ing
Definition of VARNISH for Kids
: to cover with or as if with a liquid that dries into a hard coating
Medical Dictionary
varnish
noun var·nish \ˈvär-nish\
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
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