gloss

¹

[glos, glaws]

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.

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

[glos, glaws]

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.

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

abbreviation

1. glossary.

gloss

¹

/ 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

verb

1. to give a gloss to or obtain a gloss

gloss

²

/ 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

verb

1. to add glosses to

gloss.

³

abbreviation

1. glossary

Other Word Forms

• glossless adjective
• glossingly adverb
• glosser noun

Word History and Origins

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,

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloss¹

C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic glossi flame, Middle High German glosen to glow

Origin of gloss²

C16: from Latin glōssa unusual word requiring explanatory note, from Ionic Greek

Synonym Study

See polish.

Example Sentences

It’s equally at home as a Tuesday night dinner for friends, especially with a sharp arugula salad on the side — peppery leaves glossed in a citrus vinaigrette that cuts through the butter and cheese.

From Salon

She criticized the CDC for glossing over side effects such as fever, sleepiness and fussiness.

From Los Angeles Times

Plenty of other details about Sheen’s life are conveniently left out or glossed over, as if to assume that the actor’s reputational salvation isn’t hiding in his filmography or testimonials from famous friends.

From Salon

He glossed over criticisms that pre-deployed fire engines were inadequate, evacuation alerts were delayed and elderly and disabled residents were left stranded.

From Los Angeles Times

Using religion as a cover for racism has long held this appeal for a simple reason: It puts an ennobling gloss on ugly feelings.

From Salon

Related Words

• glaze 
• luster 
• varnish 
• veneer