v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. make or become smooth or glossy by rubbing.
2 (esp. as polished adj.) refine or improve; add finishing touches to.
--n.
1. a substance used for polishing.
2 smoothness or glossiness produced by friction.
3 the act or an instance of polishing.
4 refinement or elegance of manner, conduct, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
polish off finish (esp. food) quickly. polish up revise or improve (a skill etc.).
Derivatives:
polishable adj. polisher n.
Etymology: ME f. OF polir f. L polire polit-