v. pol·ished, pol·ish·ing, pol·ish·es v.tr. 1. To make smooth and shiny by rubbing or chemical action. 2. To remove the outer layers from (grains of rice) by rotation in drums. 3. To refine or remove flaws from; perfect or complete: polish one's piano technique; polish up the lyrics. v.intr. To become smooth or shiny by being rubbed: The table polishes up nicely. n. Phrasal Verb: 1. Smoothness or shininess of surface or finish. 2. A substance containing chemical agents or abrasive particles and applied to smooth or shine a surface: shoe polish. 3. The act or process of polishing: gave the lamp a polish. 4. Elegance of style or manners; refinement. polish off Informal To finish or dispose of quickly and easily. [Middle English polisshen, from Old French polir, poliss-, from Latin polīre; see pel-5 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] polish·er n. |
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