tarnish

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Noun 1.3 Verb

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

tarnish (uncountable)

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

[edit] Verb

to tarnish (third-person singular simple present tarnishes, present participle tarnishing, simple past and past participle tarnished)

1. To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.

   Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.

2. To soil, sully, damage or compromise

   He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.