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polish definition

pol·ish (päl′is̸h)

transitive verb

    1. to smooth and brighten, as by rubbing
    2. to coat with polish, wax, etc. and make bright or glossy
  2. to improve or refine (someone or someone's manners, appearance, etc.) as by removing crudeness or vulgarity
  3. to complete or embellish (a piece of writing, etc.); finish; perfect

Etymology: ME polischen < inflected stem of OFr polir < L polire, to polish, prob. < IE base *pel-, to drive, impel > felt

intransitive verb

to take a polish; become glossy, elegant, or refined

noun

  1. a surface gloss
  2. elegance, refinement, cultivation, finish, or the like
  3. a substance used for polishing
  4. the act of polishing or condition of being polished

Related Forms:

polish Idioms

polish off

Informal
  1. to finish (a meal, job, etc.) completely and quickly
  2. to overcome or get rid of (a competitor, enemy, etc.)

polish up

Informal to improve (something)
Polish definition

Pol·ish (pōl′is̸h)

adjective

of Poland or its people, language, or culture

Etymology: < Pole + -ish

noun

the West Slavic language spoken in Poland

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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