Definition

1. Noun:

   • A hard, glossy coating: A durable, shiny finish applied to surfaces, especially wood or metal, for protection and decoration.
   • A resinous substance: A natural varnish obtained from the sap of certain trees, such as the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), which hardens into a tough, glossy film.

2. Verb:

   • To coat with lacquer: The act of applying a lacquer coating to an object to give it a hard, glossy finish.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The antique table has a beautiful, deep lacquer that has lasted for centuries.
  • Traditional Asian lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree.

• Verb:

  • The artisan will lacquer the wooden bowl to make it waterproof and shiny.
  • They decided to lacquer the metal frame to prevent rust.

Advanced Usage

• "Lacquerware": Objects, especially decorative items, that have been coated with lacquer.

  • The museum has a fine collection of Japanese lacquerware.

• "Lacquer thinner": A solvent used to thin lacquer paints or clean application tools.

  • Be sure to use proper ventilation when working with lacquer thinner.

Variants and Related Words

• Lacquered (adj.): Describing an object that has been coated with lacquer.

  • The lacquered box was smooth to the touch.

• Lacquerer (n.): A person who applies lacquer professionally.

  • The skilled lacquerer restored the cabinet to its original shine.

Synonyms

• Varnish: A liquid that is applied to wood or other materials to give a hard, clear, shiny surface.
• Glaze: A glossy coating, often used on pottery or pastries, but can also refer to a transparent finish.
• Shellac: A resinous secretion used as a wood finish, similar to lacquer but from a different source (the lac insect).

Related Phrases

• To be lacquered over: To be covered or concealed with a superficial, glossy layer, often used metaphorically.
  • His polite smile was lacquered over his true feelings of annoyance.

Idioms

(No common idioms are directly formed with the word "lacquer.")

Noun

1. a hard glossy coating
2. a black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish

Verb

1. coat with lacquer
   • A lacquered box from China