Tarnish word meaning and definition

[noun] discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
[verb] 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"

\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.

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