Definitions for: Gloss


[n] the property of being smooth and shiny
[n] an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a text on that field
[n] an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
[v] gloss or excuse; "color a lie"
[v] provide an interlinear translation of a word or phrase
[v] provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases; "He annotated on what his teacher had written"
[v] give a shine or gloss to, usually by rubbing



Webster (1913) Definition: Gloss, n. [Cf. Icel. glossi a blaze, glys finery, MHG.
glosen to glow, G. glosten to glimmer; perh. akin to E.
glass.]
1. Brightness or luster of a body proceeding from a smooth
surface; polish; as, the gloss of silk; cloth is
calendered to give it a gloss.

It is no part . . . to set on the face of this cause
any fairer gloss than the naked truth doth afford.
--Hooker.

2. A specious appearance; superficial quality or show.

To me more dear, congenial to my heart, One native
charm than all the gloss of art. --Goldsmith.


Gloss, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Glossed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Glossing.]
To give a superficial luster or gloss to; to make smooth and
shining; as, to gloss cloth.

The glossed and gleamy wave. --J. R. Drake.


Gloss, n. [OE. glose, F. glose, L. glossa a difficult
word needing explanation, fr. Gr. ? tongue, language, word
needing explanation. Cf. Gloze, Glossary, Glottis.]
1. A foreign, archaic, technical, or other uncommon word
requiring explanation. [Obs.]

2. An interpretation, consisting of one or more words,
interlinear or marginal; an explanatory note or comment; a
running commentary.

All this, without a gloss or comment, He would
unriddle in a moment. --Hudibras.

Explaining the text in short glosses. --T. Baker.

3. A false or specious explanation. --Dryden.


Gloss, v. t.
1. To render clear and evident by comments; to illustrate; to
explain; to annotate.

2. To give a specious appearance to; to render specious and
plausible; to palliate by specious explanation.

You have the art to gloss the foulest cause.
--Philips.


Gloss, v. i.
1. To make comments; to comment; to explain. --Dryden.

2. To make sly remarks, or insinuations. --Prior.

Synonyms: annotate, burnish, color, colour, comment, glossary, glossiness, polish, rubric

See Also: account, apologise, apologize, effulgence, excuse, explanation, French polish, glaze, gloss over, hush up, interpret, justify, polish, radiance, radiancy, rationalise, rationalize, refulgence, refulgency, render, rub, shine, shine, skate over, skimp over, sleek over, slur over, smooth, smooth over, smoothen, smoothness, translate, whitewash, wordbook

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