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| tar·nish [ trnish ] |
transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle tar·nished, present participle tar·nish·ing, 3rd person present singular tar·nish·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. make or become dull and discolored: to lose shine and become dull because of oxidation or rust, or make something do this
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2. damage somebody's reputation: to damage somebody's reputation or good name, or become damaged
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noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. discoloration: the dullness or discoloration of metal affected by oxidation or rust
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2. film of discoloration on metal: the film of discoloration that forms on metal
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3. sullied condition: the damaged condition of somebody's reputation or good name
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| [15th century. < French terniss-, stem of ternir "make dull"] |
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  tar·nish·a·ble adjective |
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