airbrush
UK[ˈeəbrʌʃ]US[ˈerbrʌʃ]
n
a device that uses compressed air to spray a fine mist of paint or other liquid.
v
to paint, cover, or alter something using an airbrush.
v
to alter or present (a photograph or a narrative) in a way that gives a falsely perfect impression.
Morpheme Breakdown
air
brush
air
the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth
brush
Etymology
the word 'airbrush' is a transparent compound formed in the late 19th century from the two english words 'air' and 'brush'. it is a classic example of technological nomenclature, where 'air' refers to the compressed air that powers the device, and 'brush' metaphorically extends from a traditional tool for applying paint to this new mechanized sprayer. the term logically describes the instrument's core function: a brush that operates using air. its later figurative verb senses, meaning to alter images or facts to create a flawless appearance, directly extend from the tool's use in retouching photographs.
Analysis
Structure: air + brush
air (from middle english, ultimately from latin āēr and greek aēr, meaning 'the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth') + brush (from middle english brusshe, from an old french word for 'brushwood', later an instrument for sweeping or painting).
Examples
the artist used an airbrush to create smooth gradients on the car model.
the magazine was criticized for airbrushing the model's skin to an unrealistic degree.
historians warned against airbrushing the more difficult aspects of the nation's past.