varnish

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

var·nish [varnish varnishes varnished varnishing] noun, verb BrE [ˈvɑːnɪʃ] NAmE [ˈvɑːrnɪʃ]
noun uncountable, countable
a liquid that is painted onto wood, metal, etc. and that forms a hard shiny transparent surface when it is dry
•I'll give the shelves a coat of varnish.
see also ↑nail varnish

Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French vernis, from medieval Latin veronix ‘fragrant resin’ or medieval Greek berenikē, probably from Berenice, a town in Cyrenaica, a region of NE Libya.

Example Bank:
•The painting was obscured by discoloured/discolored varnish and a heavy layer of grime.
•The table needed two coats of varnish.
•You need a good quality varnish to protect the timber.

 
verb
to put ↑varnish on the surface of sth
•~ sth The doors are then stained and varnished.
• (BrE)Josie was sitting at her desk, varnishing her nails.
•~ sth + noun Her nails were varnished a brilliant shade of red.
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French vernis, from medieval Latin veronix ‘fragrant resin’ or medieval Greek berenikē, probably from Berenice, a town in Cyrenaica, a region of NE Libya.