tarnish
UK: ˈtɑːnɪʃ | US: ˈtɑːrnɪʃ
vt. to cause metal to lose its shine by reacting with air or moisture
vi. to become less bright or discolored
n. a thin layer of discoloration on metal
tarnish = tarn<darken> + ish<verb suffix>
- tarn (from Old French terne "dull, dark," ultimately from Latin ternus "threefold," but influenced by Germanic roots meaning "dark")
- ish (a verb-forming suffix indicating causation or process, from Old French -iss-, derived from Latin -izare)
Etymology Origin:
The word tarnish traces back to Old French ternir ("to make dull"), which blended Latin ternus (originally meaning "threefold") with Germanic influences related to darkness. Over time, -ish was added as a verb suffix, solidifying its meaning as "to darken or dull." The modern sense focuses on the discoloration of metals due to oxidation or chemical reactions.
Silver jewelry will tarnish if exposed to humid air.
The brass doorknob had tarnished over the years.
His reputation was tarnished by the scandal.
Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean tarnished copper.
The once-gleaming trophy now lay tarnished on the shelf.