gloss

/glɑs/

/glɒs/

Other forms: glosses; glossed; glossing

A gloss is a shiny finish on an object. It’s also an explanation about a word or phrase. Right now, you’re reading a gloss on the word gloss.

Gloss has a number of meanings, so it’s a good idea to read our gloss on this word. Gloss can refer to the shine or polish on a smooth surface. A gloss can also be a definition or explanation. A book may have glosses that explain what unusual or technical terms mean. Sometimes gloss has a negative sense: if you leave out important information when discussing something, you could be accused of glossing over those details.

Definitions of gloss

1. noun

   the property of being smooth and shiny
   synonyms: burnish, glossiness, polish

   types:

   French polish

   the glaze produced by repeated applications of French polish shellac

   glaze

   a glossy finish on a fabric

   patina

   a sheen or gloss on a surface, especially resulting from use or age

   type of:

   smoothness

   a texture without roughness; smooth to the touch

   effulgence, radiance, radiancy, refulgence, refulgency, shine

   the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
2. verb

   give a shine or gloss to, usually by rubbing
   type of:

   polish, shine, smooth, smoothen

   make (a surface) shine
3. verb

   provide an interlinear translation of a word or phrase
   type of:

   interpret, render, translate

   restate (words) from one language into another language
4. verb

   provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases
   synonyms: annotate, comment

   type of:

   interpret, rede

   give an interpretation or explanation to
5. verb

   give a deceptive explanation or excuse for
   synonyms: color, colour

   type of:

   apologise, apologize, excuse, justify, rationalise, rationalize

   defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
6. noun

   an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
   synonyms: rubric

   type of:

   account, explanation

   a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
7. noun

   an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a text on that field
   synonyms: glossary

   type of:

   wordbook

   a reference book containing words (usually with their meanings)
8. noun

   an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
   “he tried to give his falsehood the gloss of moral sanction”

   synonyms: color, colour, semblance, veneer

   types:

   color of law, colour of law

   a mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law

   simulacrum

   an insubstantial or vague semblance

   face value

   the apparent worth as opposed to the real worth

   guise, pretence, pretense, pretext

   an artful or simulated semblance

   camouflage, disguise

   an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something

   verisimilitude

   the appearance of truth; the quality of seeming to be true

   type of:

   appearance, visual aspect

   outward or visible aspect of a person or thing