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varnishes

  • plural
    of varnish.
    varnish
    noun
    a preparation consisting of resinous matter, as copal or lac, dissolved in an oil oil varnish or in alcohol spirit varnish or other volatile liquid. When applied to the surface of wood, metal, etc., it dries and leaves a hard, more or less glossy, usually transparent coating.
  • present tense form
    of varnish (3rd person singular).
    varnish
    noun
    a preparation consisting of resinous matter, as copal or lac, dissolved in an oil oil varnish or in alcohol spirit varnish or other volatile liquid. When applied to the surface of wood, metal, etc., it dries and leaves a hard, more or less glossy, usually transparent coating.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Existing treatments like fluoride varnishes and remineralization products can help relieve symptoms but do not actually rebuild enamel.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 6, 2025

Göransson has scored every Coogler picture since his 2009 student film “Locks,” and he never merely varnishes them with music in postproduction — he is truly Coogler’s co-author.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2025

He then paints them with natural pigments and varnishes them with the sap of piñon, the stocky pine tree that dots the countryside.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 29, 2023

Another of the derailed cars was carrying ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, a clear, colorless liquid involved in the manufacture of products including varnishes, paint thinners, agricultural chemicals and industrial and household cleaners.

From New York Times ● Feb. 15, 2023

These varnishes are also finding application in the manufacture of concrete, steel, and flat wall paints; being especially suitable for the above purposes when compounded with kauri gum japan.

From Paint Technology and Tests by Henry A. Gardner