shellack
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʃəˈlæk/
KK: /ʃəˈlæk/
noun
Definition
A type of protective coating made from a natural resin, often used to finish wood or other surfaces.
Example
The furniture was beautifully finished with a layer of shellack.
Conversation
I just bought some shellack to finish my woodworking project.
Oh nice! That should give it a beautiful shine.
Yeah, I hope it turns out well and not like a total mess.
I'm sure it will look great. You always do a good job!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lacquer
varnish
finish
Antonyms
defeat
loss
failure
verb
Definition
To defeat someone decisively or to apply a protective coating to something.
Example
The team was shellacked in the final game of the season.
Tense Forms
Past: shellacked
Past Participle: shellacked
Conversation
Did you see how they shellacked the other team last night?
Yeah, it was an impressive win!
I didn't expect them to shellack them that badly.
Root Explanation
Shellac is derived from the word 'shellac' (from Hindi *shilajit*, meaning resin) and refers to a resinous substance used in varnishes and finishes. The term describes a product made from the resin of the lac insect, which is used to create a hard, protective coating.
Memory Tip
Think of the resin from the lac insect, which is used to create a protective coating — that's why shellac refers to this varnish.
Visually Confused Words
shoeblack