Associations to the word «Tarnish»

Wiktionary

TARNISH, noun. Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
TARNISH, verb. (intransitive) To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
TARNISH, verb. (transitive) To soil, sully, damage or compromise
TARNISH, verb. (intransitive) (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.

Dictionary definition

TARNISH, noun. Discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation.
TARNISH, verb. Make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically; "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man".

Wise words

In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; Alike fantastic, if too new, or old: Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.
Alexander Pope