I. ˈla-kər noun
Etymology: Portuguese lacré sealing wax, from laca lac, from Arabic lakk, from Persian lak — more at lac
Date: 1592
1.
a. : a spirit varnish (as shellac)
b. : any of various durable natural varnishes ; especially : a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac ( Rhus verniciflua ) — called also Japanese lacquer
2. : any of various clear or colored synthetic organic coatings that typically dry to form a film by evaporation of the solvent ; especially : a solution of a cellulose derivative (as nitrocellulose)
II. transitive verb
( lac·quered ; lac·quer·ing -k(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 1688
1. : to coat with or as if with lacquer
2. : to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy
lacquer ed her hair
• lac·quer·er -kər-ər noun