Word of the Day

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

burnish

\BUR-nish\ , verb, noun;

to make shiny by polishing

noun:

a polish or shine

Read the full entry|See synonyms|Comment on today's word

Quotes:

A burnish on the copper pots made them very attractive.

The craftsman burnished and refurbished metalworks.

Origin:

c.1325, from Old French burniss-, extended stem of burnir, metathesis of brunir "to make brown/bright, polish," from brun "brown, polished," from a Germanic source