What does GLOSS mean?

Parts of Speech

Gloss is a noun and a verb.

Definitions

As a noun, gloss means a shiny or lustrous surface, or a superficially attractive appearance. As a verb, gloss means to provide an explanation or interpretation of something, or to give a shiny or lustrous surface to something.

Pronunciations

US: /glɑs/ or /glɔs/; UK: /ɡlɒs/

Origin and Usage

The word gloss comes from the Old Norse word "glossi," meaning "a flame or a spark." It was originally used to describe the bright, shiny appearance of fire or light. Over time, the word came to be used more broadly to describe any shiny or lustrous surface. As a verb, gloss has been used since the 16th century to mean "to provide an explanation or interpretation of something." It is commonly used in academic or technical writing to provide definitions or clarifications of complex concepts.

Synonyms

As a noun, gloss can be synonymous with shine, sheen, polish, or glaze. As a verb, gloss can be synonymous with explain, clarify, interpret, or annotate.

Related Words

glass, gloom, glint, glide, glean, gloat, globe, glory, glove, glue

Example Sentences

As a noun:

• The cars gloss was so bright that it reflected the sun.
• She put a coat of gloss on her nails to make them shiny.

As a verb:

• The teacher glossed over the difficult parts of the lesson.
• The translator provided a gloss of the technical terms in the document.