I. ˈpä-lish verb
Etymology: Middle English polisshen, from Anglo-French poliss-, stem of polir, from Latin polire
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to make smooth and glossy usually by friction : burnish
2. : to smooth, soften, or refine in manners or condition
3. : to bring to a highly developed, finished, or refined state : perfect
intransitive verb
: to become smooth or glossy by or as if by friction
• pol·ish·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1679
1.
a. : a smooth glossy surface : luster
b. : freedom from rudeness or coarseness : culture
c. : a state of high development or refinement
2. : the action or process of polishing
3. : a preparation that is used to produce a gloss and often a color for the protection and decoration of a surface
furniture polish
nail polish