varnish

/ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/
Varnish is a clear protective coating and the act of applying it, used on wood and other surfaces.

Examples

  • Varnish protects the table from scratches.
  • She carefully varnished the sculpture for a glossy finish.
  • He will varnish the new desk tomorrow.
  • Old furniture often needs a fresh coat of varnish.
  • We must varnish the cabinets to protect them.

Meanings

Noun

A clear protective coating applied to wood or other surfaces.
From Middle English varnysch, from Old French vernis, from Latin vernix meaning a kind of lacquer.

Examples

  • Varnish protects the table from scratches.
  • The artist added a thin layer of varnish to the painting.
  • Old furniture often needs a fresh coat of varnish.
  • The boat's hull was sealed with marine varnish.
  • She polished the wood and finished it with varnish.

Verb

To apply a varnish coating to something.
Same as the noun, derived from Old French vernis.

Examples

  • He will varnish the new desk tomorrow.
  • They needed to varnish the windows before the rain.
  • The conservator decided to varnish the antique frame.
  • We must varnish the cabinets to protect them.
  • She carefully varnished the sculpture for a glossy finish.
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