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Definitions for: Tarnish
[n] discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
[v] make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air, of metals; also used metaphorically; "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man"
Webster (1913) Definition: Tar"nish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tarnished; p. pr. &
vb. n. Tarnishing.] [F. ternir, fr. OHG. tarnen to darken,
to conceal, hide; akin to OS. dernian to hide, AS. dernan,
dyrnan, OHG. tarni hidden, OS. derni, AS. derne, dyrne. Cf.
Dern, a., and see -ish.]
To soil, or change the appearance of, especially by an
alternation induced by the air, or by dust, or the like; to
diminish, dull, or destroy the luster of; to sully; as, to
tarnish a metal; to tarnish gilding; to tarnish the purity of
color. ``Tarnished lace.'' --Fuller. Used also figuratively;
as, to tarnish one's honor.
Syn: To sully; stain; dim.
Tar"nish, v. i.
To lose luster; to become dull; as, gilding will tarnish in a
foul air.
Till thy fresh glories, which now shine so bright, Grow
stale and tarnish with our daily sight. --Dryden.
Tar"nish, n.
1. The quality or state of being tarnished; stain; soil;
blemish.
2. (Min.) A thin film on the surface of a metal, usually due
to a slight alteration of the original color; as, the
steel tarnish in columbite.
Synonyms: defile, maculate, sully
See Also: blob, blot, darken, discoloration, discolouration, fleck, spot, stain
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