barniz

varnish

noun bahr-NEES Rare

Origin: Medieval Latin vernix (resin), possibly from Greek Berenikē (a city)

Also means

glaze; veneer

Usage Note

Barniz refers to a transparent protective coating applied to wood, nails, or paintings. Its plural is barnices (the -z changes to -c before -es). Figuratively, un barniz de cultura means a superficial veneer of refinement.

Examples

"Le dio una capa de barniz a la mesa."

Natural Translation

She applied a coat of varnish to the table.

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