Definition of "tarnish" in 英语

noun

1. Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

   • 1918, Hannah Teresa Rowley, Mrs. Helen Louise (Wales) Farrell, Principles of Chemistry Applied to the Household Precipitated calcium carbonate, a very fine powdery form, is used as a basis for many tooth powders and pastes. As whiting it finds a wide use in cleaning metals of their tarnishes.

verb

1. (intransitive) To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.

   • Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.

2. (transitive) To compromise, damage, soil, or sully.

   • He is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.

3. (intransitive, figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.

4. (copyright law) To use a sign, image, expression, etc. sufficiently close to a trademarked one that it brings disrepute to it.