Words / B1

VAHN-ish/ˈvɑːnɪʃ/

Varnish is a liquid that dries to a hard, shiny coat on wood or nails (often uncountable). Paint adds colour; polish is often a paste or cream. DT: varnish is staff-supervised; a spray in the corridor is a ventilation fail. Extra: nail varnish is make-up on nails (UK).

Meaning

A liquid that dries to a hard, shiny coat on wood or nails (often uncountable).

Examples

• “Varnish in DT is staff-supervised; a spray in the corridor is a ventilation fail.”
• “Nail varnish fails the uniform inspection; it is for after school, not the exam hall.”

Good to know

varnish (often uncountable). Contrast: paint / polish. Extra: nail varnish (UK). DT / uniform. Mix-up: to varnish is the verb; the liquid is the noun.

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