TARNISH

Tarnish

Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms over copper, brass, silver, aluminum, and other similar metals as their outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction. Tarnish does not always result from the sole effects of oxygen in the air. For example, silver needs hydrogen sulfide to tarnish; it does not tarnish with only oxygen. It often appears as a dull, gray or black film or coating over metal. Tarnish is a surface phenomenon, that is self-limiting unlike rust. Only the top few layers of the metal react, and the layer of tarnish seals and protects the underlying layers from reacting.

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tarnish

Noun

  1. Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

Verb

  1. To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
    Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.
  2. To soil, sully, damage or compromise
    He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
  3. To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: tarnish
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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