First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1burnish
verb bur·nish \ˈbər-nish\
: to make (something, such as metal or leather) smooth and shiny by rubbing it
Full Definition of BURNISH
transitive verb
1
a : to make shiny or lustrous especially by rubbing b : polish 3
2
: to rub (a material) with a tool for compacting or smoothing or for turning an edge
— bur·nish·er noun
— bur·nish·ing adjective or noun
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Origin of BURNISH
Middle English burnischen, from Anglo-French burniss-, stem of burnir, alteration of Old French brunir, literally, to make brown, from brun
Rhymes with BURNISH
2burnish
noun
Definition of BURNISH
First Known Use of BURNISH
circa 1647
BURNISH[1] Defined for Kids
burnish
verb bur·nish \ˈbər-nish\
bur·nishedbur·nish·ing
Definition of BURNISH for Kids
: to make shiny
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