[vahr-nish] 
| 1. | a preparation consisting of resinous matter, as copal or lac, dissolved in an oil (oil varnish) or in alcohol (spirit varnish) or other volatile liquid. When applied to the surface of wood, metal, etc., it dries and leaves a hard, more or less glossy, usually transparent coating. |
| 2. | the sap of certain trees, used for the same purpose (natural varnish). |
| 3. | any of various other preparations similarly used, as one having India rubber, pyroxylin, or asphalt as its chief constituent. |
| 4. | a coating or surface of varnish. |
| 5. | something resembling or suggesting a coat of varnish; gloss. |
| 6. | superficial polish or external show, esp. to conceal some defect or inadequacy: The play has a varnish of witty dialogue. |
| 7. | British. nail polish. |
| 8. | to apply varnish to; coat or cover with varnish. |
| 9. | to give a glossy appearance to. |
| 10. | to give an improved appearance to; adorn. |
| 11. | to give a superficially pleasing appearance to, esp. in order to deceive: to varnish the truth. |
kē, syncopated var. of Gk Berenkē, city in Cyrenaica
| var·nish (vär'nĭsh) n.
[Middle English vernisshe, from Old French vernis, from Medieval Latin veronix, vernix, sandarac resin, from Medieval Greek verenikē, from Greek Berenikē, Berenice (Benghazi), an ancient city of Cyrenaica.] var'nish·er n. |
varnish
liquid coating material containing a resin that dries to a hard transparent film. Most varnishes are a blend of resin, drying oil, drier, and volatile solvent. When varnish dries, its solvent portion evaporates, and the remaining constituents oxidize or polymerize to form a durable transparent film. Varnishes provide protective coatings for wooden surfaces, paintings, and various decorative objects. Varnish protects and enhances the appearance of wooden floors, interior wood paneling and trim, and furniture.
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