anti-tarnish
|an-ti-tarn-ish|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈtɑr.nɪʃ/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈtɑː.nɪʃ/
preventing tarnish
Etymology
'anti-tarnish' is a compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'tarnish'. 'Anti-' originates from Greek 'anti-' where it meant 'against' or 'opposite'.
'tarnish' comes from Middle English 'tarnishen' (or similar forms) derived from Old French (for example 'tarnir'/'ternir') meaning 'to make dull or dark', and it evolved into modern English 'tarnish'. The compound 'anti-tarnish' is a modern English formation combining the ancient prefix with the noun 'tarnish' to mean 'against tarnish'.
Originally, 'tarnish' meant to make dull or discolor; over time the word kept that sense, and the compound 'anti-tarnish' came to mean 'preventing or opposing that dulling/discoloration'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance, treatment, or product intended to prevent or slow down tarnishing (e.g., anti-tarnish strip, pouch, or coating).
Store your silver in anti-tarnish pouches to reduce oxidation and discoloration.
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Adjective 1
designed or treated to prevent tarnishing (of metals such as silver); resistant to forming a dull or discolored surface.
The jeweler sold silverware with an anti-tarnish finish to keep it bright longer.
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Last updated: 2025/11/25 02:01