varnish

var•nish

[[t]ˈvɑr nɪʃ[/t]] n.

1) chem. a preparation for coating surfaces, as of wood, consisting of resinous matter dissolved in oil, alcohol, or the like

2) chem. the sap of certain trees, used for the same purpose

3) chem. any of various other preparations similarly used, as one having India rubber as its chief constituent

4) a coating or surface of varnish

5) something suggesting this; gloss

6) superficial polish, esp. to conceal some inadequacy

7) nail polish

8) to coat with varnish

9) to give a glossy appearance to

10) to give an improved appearance to

11) to give a superficially pleasing appearance to, esp. in order to deceive:

to varnish the truth[/ex]

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME varnisch < MF vernis, verniz < ML vernicium sandarac < MGk bernikē, syncopated var. of Gk Berenikē, city in Cyrenaica var′nish•er, n. var′nish•y, adj.