varnish — a liquid that dries to form a hard, shiny, protective coating on wood, metal, etc.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a liquid that dries to form a hard, shiny, protective coating on wood, metal, etc.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's antique table still has its original varnish from 1920.
- She tried to varnish her terrible cooking skills by calling it 'experimental cuisine.'
- The politician's speech was just a way to varnish his controversial past.
varnish
NOUN[/ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/]
a liquid that dries to form a hard, shiny, protective coating on wood, metal, etc.
The carpenter brushes glossy varnish over the old oak table until it gleams.
Varnish prevents tarnish, garnish makes it flourish!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'verniz', derived from Medieval Latin 'vernicia', possibly from Greek 'berníkē' (a type of resin from the sandarac tree), or alternatively from the city of Verona in Italy where the resin was traded.
Breakdown
varnish: from Old French 'verniz' (coating substance) + -ish (noun suffix, though here it's part of the root word rather than a productive suffix) = a protective coating
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother's antique table still has its original varnish from 1920.”
“She tried to varnish her terrible cooking skills by calling it 'experimental cuisine.'”
“The politician's speech was just a way to varnish his controversial past.”
“After three coats of varnish, the boat looked ready to sail into a magazine photo shoot.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.