lacquer
UK[ˈlækə]US[ˈlækər]
n
a hard, shiny, and often decorative coating that is applied to surfaces such as wood or metal
n
a clear or colored synthetic substance used for making a hard, glossy coating, especially on nails
v
to coat something with lacquer
Etymology
the word 'lacquer' entered english in the late 16th century via the obsolete french term 'lacre', which referred to a type of sealing wax. this french word was itself borrowed from portuguese 'lacré', derived from 'laca'. the ultimate origin is the persian 'lak', which refers to the resinous substance secreted by the lac insect. this etymological journey, from a specific insect resin in asia to a general term for a hard, glossy finish in europe, illustrates the trade and cultural exchange that introduced both the material and its name to the western world. the modern sense of a synthetic, glossy coating is a semantic extension from the original natural product.
Analysis
the entire word 'lacquer' is a loanword from a non-classical language and functions as a simplex unit in english.
Examples
the antique cabinet was finished with a deep red lacquer.
she applied a quick-drying lacquer to her nails.
the artist will lacquer the sculpture to protect it from the elements.