tarnish

Meanings

• Verb

  To make (a surface) dull and discolored by the action of air or water, or by contact with metals or other substances.

• Noun

  A film or coating that forms on the surface of metal or other materials, causing them to lose their original appearance or value.

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Pronunciation

1. /ˈtɑɹnɪʃ/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=179652"

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with tarnish
charnish , marish

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Variants

List of all variants of tarnish that leads to same result
tarnish , tarnishable , tarnished , tarnishes , tarnishing , anti-tarnish , antitarnish

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Originally meant 'to darken' or 'to stain'. From Old French tarnir, tarniss-, present participle of tarnir 'to tarn, to darken'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. Tarnish is not limited to metals and can also affect other materials, such as paint, glass, and plastics.

2. The process of tarnishing can be slowed down or prevented through various means, such as polishing, painting, or applying protective coatings.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Rust: Tarnish is a type of surface discoloration that is similar to rust, but it is typically less extensive and does not involve the formation of iron oxide.

2. Corrosion: Tarnish is a type of corrosion that affects the surface of metals and other materials, causing them to lose their original appearance or value.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, tarnish is often used metaphorically to describe a loss of value, beauty, or reputation. For example, in Shakespeare's 'Othello', Iago says, 'Reputation, reputation, O, I have lost my reputation! I have a lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.'

How to Memorize "tarnish"

1. visualize
   

   - Visualize a shiny metal surface gradually becoming dull and discolored over time. Imagine the surface forming a thin film or coating that changes the metal's appearance.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'tarnish' with the image of an old copper penny or a rusty nail.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Use the mnemonic 'Tarnish: To Alter Newly Shiny Items' to help remember the meaning of the word.

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