gloss

¹

[ glos, glaws ]

noun

1. a superficial luster or shine; glaze:

   the gloss of satin.

2. a false or deceptively good appearance.

   Synonyms: facade, veneer, front

3. Also . a cosmetic that adds sheen or luster, especially one for the lips.

verb (used with object)

1. to put a gloss upon.
2. to give a false or deceptively good appearance to:

   to gloss over flaws in the woodwork.

gloss

²

[ glos, glaws ]

noun

1. an explanation or translation of a foreign, technical, or unusual word or expression in a text.

   Synonyms: annotation, comment

2. a series of verbal interpretations of a text.

   Synonyms: explication, exegesis, critique, commentary

3. a glossary.
4. an artfully misleading interpretation.

verb (used with object)

1. to insert glosses on; annotate.

   Synonyms: explicate, analyze, interpret, explain

2. to place (a word) in a gloss.
3. to give a specious interpretation of; explain away (often followed by over or away ):

   to gloss over a serious problem with a pat solution.

verb (used without object)

1. to make glosses.

gloss.

³

abbreviation for

1. glossary.

gloss.

¹

abbreviation for

1. glossary

gloss

²

/ ɡlɒs /

noun

1. a short or expanded explanation or interpretation of a word, expression, or foreign phrase in the margin or text of a manuscript, etc
2. an intentionally misleading explanation or interpretation
3. short for glossary

verb

1. to add glosses to

gloss

³

/ ɡlɒs /

noun

1. 1. lustre or sheen, as of a smooth surface
   2. ( as modifier )

      gloss paint

2. a superficially attractive appearance
3. See gloss paint
4. a cosmetic preparation applied to the skin to give it a faint sheen

   lip gloss

verb

1. to give a gloss to or obtain a gloss

Derived Forms

• ˈglosser, noun
• ˈglossingly, adverb
• ˈglosser, noun
• ˈglossless, adjective

Other Words From

• glossless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloss¹

First recorded in 1530–40; probably akin to Dutch gloos “glowing,” Middle High German glosen “to glow, shine,” Swedish dialect glysa “to shine”

Origin of gloss²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun glose, gloce, from Old French glose, from Medieval Latin glōsa, glōza, from Greek glôssa “word requiring explanation,” literally, “language, tongue”; gloze,

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloss¹

C16: from Latin glōssa unusual word requiring explanatory note, from Ionic Greek

Origin of gloss²

C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic glossi flame, Middle High German glosen to glow

Synonym Study

See polish.

Example Sentences

But Harris glossed over the details of how abortion legislation could pass Congress.

From Los Angeles Times

"There was not one test that showed that she had a UTI, they completely glossed over the fact that she was vomiting blood," said Rachael.

From BBC

“Martha” doesn’t gloss over Stewart’s prickly, demanding personality, but it also makes the case that she was unfairly maligned — and ultimately prosecuted — because of her gender.

From Los Angeles Times

We need to gloss over some details of what Thanh says happened to him over the next few years in order to continue to hide his identity.

From BBC

It worked out that lipsticks, glosses and balms were usually affordable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glaze
• luster
• varnish
• veneer