gloss (n.)

  1. an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text

    [ Syn: rubric ]

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

    [ Syn: glossary ]

  3. the property of being smooth and shiny

    [ Syn: polish , polish , glossiness , glossiness , burnish , burnish ]

  4. an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading; he hoped his claims would have a semblance of authenticity; he tried to give his falsehood the gloss of moral sanction; the situation soon took on a different color

    [ Syn: semblance , color , colour ]

    gloss (v.)

  1. give a shine or gloss to, usually by rubbing

  2. provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases; He annotated on what his teacher had written

    [ Syn: comment , annotate ]

  3. provide an interlinear translation of a word or phrase

  4. give a deceptive explanation or excuse for; color a lie

    [ Syn: color , colour ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.