English Explanatory Dictionary

shellac

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A processed secretion of the lac insect, Coccus lacca; used in polishes, varnishes etc.
  2. A beating; a thrashing.
verb
  1. To coat with shellac.
  2. To beat; to thrash.
  3. To inflict a heavy defeat upon.

Pronunciation

/ʃəˈlæk/ /ʃɛˈlæk/ /ˈʃɛlæk/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-shellac.wav

Word forms

shellac shellacs shellacking shellacked

Etymology

From shell + lac, calque of French laque en écailles (literally “lac in scales/shells”).

Synonyms

E904 when used as a glazing agent

Derived words

shellacker unshellacked
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