gloss

//ɡlɒs//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of gloss

Noun

glossSingular
glossesPlural
1

A shine or luster on a smooth surface.

The new wax gave the car a beautiful gloss.

2

A superficially attractive appearance or impression.

The gloss of success hid the company's financial troubles.

Noun

glossSingular
glossesPlural
1

An explanatory note or translation of a difficult or technical word or expression, especially in a text.

The textbook includes a gloss for each technical term.

Verb

glossInfinitive
glossPresent tense
glossedPast tense
glossedPast participle
glossingPresent participle
glossesThird-person singular
1

To apply a glossy substance to something to make it shine.

She glossed her lips with a shiny balm.

2

To provide an explanation or interpretation for a word or text.

The editor glossed the difficult terms in the ancient manuscript.

3

To try to conceal or disguise something unfavorable by treating it briefly or misleadingly (usually with 'over').

The report glossed over the company's financial problems.