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
BURNISHED 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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