1. 1. A paint containing a solvent and an oxidizing or evaporating binder, used to coat a surface with a hard, glossy, transparent film.
   2. The smooth coating or gloss resulting from the application of this paint.
2. 1. Something suggestive of or resembling varnish.
   2. A deceptively attractive external appearance; an outward show.

1. To cover with varnish.
2. To give a smooth and glossy finish to.
3. To give a deceptively attractive appearance to; gloss over.

[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.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.