gloss

¹ American  

[glos, glaws] / glɒs, glɔs /

noun

1. a superficial luster or shine; glaze.

   the gloss of satin.

2. a false or deceptively good appearance.

   Synonyms:

   facade , veneer , front

3. Also a cosmetic that adds sheen or luster, especially one for the lips.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put a gloss upon.

2. to give a false or deceptively good appearance to.

   to gloss over flaws in the woodwork.

gloss ² American  

[glos, glaws] / glɒs, glɔs /

noun

1. an explanation or translation of a foreign, technical, or unusual word or expression in a text.

   Synonyms:

   annotation , comment

2. a series of verbal interpretations of a text.

   Synonyms:

   explication , exegesis , critique , commentary

3. a glossary.

4. an artfully misleading interpretation.

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verb (used with object)

1. to insert glosses on; annotate.

   Synonyms:

   explicate , analyze , interpret , explain

2. to place (a word) in a gloss.

3. to give a specious interpretation of; explain away (often followed by over oraway ).

   to gloss over a serious problem with a pat solution.

verb (used without object)

1. to make glosses.

gloss. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. glossary.

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gloss ¹ British  

/ ɡlɒs /

noun

1. 1. lustre or sheen, as of a smooth surface

   2. ( as modifier )

      gloss paint

2. a superficially attractive appearance

3. See gloss paint

4. a cosmetic preparation applied to the skin to give it a faint sheen

   lip gloss

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verb

1. to give a gloss to or obtain a gloss

gloss ² British  

/ ɡlɒs /

noun

1. a short or expanded explanation or interpretation of a word, expression, or foreign phrase in the margin or text of a manuscript, etc

2. an intentionally misleading explanation or interpretation

3. short for glossary

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verb

1. to add glosses to

gloss. ³ British  

abbreviation

1. glossary

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Related Words

See polish.

Other Word Forms

• glosser noun
• glossingly adverb
• glossless adjective

Etymology

Origin of gloss¹

First recorded in 1530–40; probably akin to Dutch gloos “glowing,” Middle High German glosen “to glow, shine,” Swedish dialect glysa “to shine”

Origin of gloss²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun glose, gloce, from Old French glose, from Medieval Latin glōsa, glōza, from Greek glôssa “word requiring explanation,” literally, “language, tongue”; gloze,

Example Sentences

Again, flush with cosmopolitan snapshots, the recent New York Times profile of Nuzzi glosses over some severe problems.

From Salon

Thompson, first crowned world's strongest woman in 2018, said the manner she had won the title had taken the gloss off it, but praised Strongman for "investigating and rectifying the situation so quickly".

From BBC

Fabio Silva hit a late penalty against the crossbar but Daniel Svensson headed in off Pascal Gross in stoppage time to add gloss to the victory.

From Barron's

Even in its most literal form, it’s the good stuff — the bonus, the gloss, the part everyone reaches for.

From Salon

The new awareness is the latest indication that the detente has largely glossed over a rivalry between the U.S. and China that is only beginning.

From Barron's

Related Words

• glaze
• luster
• varnish
• veneer