TARNISHING Meaning and
Definition
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Tarnishing is the process of dulling or staining the surface of an object, typically due to external factors or environmental conditions. It involves the discolouration or degradation of a material, leading to a loss of its original lustre, shine, or appearance. Tarnishing is most commonly associated with metals, particularly those that are prone to oxidation, such as silver, copper, or brass.
When metals tarnish, they undergo a chemical reaction with elements like oxygen, sulphur, or moisture in the air. This reaction forms a thin layer of tarnish on the surface, which can be seen as a dark or dull coating. Tarnish can worsen over time, slowly spreading across larger areas if left untreated.
The tarnishing process can occur in various ways. For instance, silver tarnishes when exposed to air and hydrogen sulphide, commonly found in the atmosphere and certain substances. Copper may tarnish due to exposure to air and moisture, leading to the formation of a greenish patina known as verdigris.
Tarnishing is often considered undesirable as it alters the appearance of objects, making them appear aged, less attractive, or less valuable. To remove tarnish and restore the original appearance, various methods are employed, including the use of cleaning agents or specialised polishing techniques.
Beyond metals, tarnishing can also refer to the process of damaging or diminishing someone's reputation or credibility. In this context, it refers to staining or blemishing one's character or public image, often caused by accusations, rumors, or scandals. This usage of tarnishing is more metaphorical, describing a figurative tarnish rather than a physical one.
Top Common Misspellings for TARNISHING *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for TARNISHING
Etymology of TARNISHING
The word "tarnishing" is derived from the verb "tarnish", which originated from the Old French word "tarnir" meaning "to make dull or discolored". This Old French term comes from the variant of the Old High German word "darnjan" or "dernjan" meaning "to hide, conceal". The current sense of "tarnish" emerged in English during the 16th century, referring to the process of becoming dull or discolored, particularly for metals.
Conjugate verb Tarnishing
CONDITIONAL
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FUTURE
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FUTURE PERFECT
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PAST PERFECT
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PRESENT
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PRESENT PERFECT
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