polish

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒlɪʃ/

verb

  • 1 [with object] make the surface of (something) smooth and shiny by rubbing it: behind the bar the steward polished glasses busily
  • improve, refine, or add the finishing touches to: he’s got to polish up his French for his job

noun

[mass noun]
  • a substance used to give something a smooth and shiny surface when rubbed in: a tin of shoe polish
  • [in singular] an act of rubbing something to give it a shiny surface: I could give the wardrobe a polish
  • smoothness or glossiness produced by rubbing or friction: the machine refines the shape of the stone and gives it polish
  • refinement or elegance in a person or thing: his poetry has clarity and polish

Phrasal Verbs

polish something off

quickly finish or consume something: they polished off most of the sausages

Derivatives

polishable

adjective

polisher

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French poliss-, lengthened stem of polir 'to polish', from Latin polire