What is the meaning of gloss?

noun

  • An explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text.
  • An alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a text on that field.
  • The property of being smooth and shiny.
  • An outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading.
    • usage: "he hoped his claims would have a semblance of authenticity"; "he tried to give his falsehood the gloss of moral sanction"; "the situation soon took on a different color"

verb

  • Give a shine or gloss to, usually by rubbing.
  • Provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases.
    • usage: "He annotated on what his teacher had written"
  • Provide an interlinear translation of a word or phrase.
  • Give a deceptive explanation or excuse for.
    • usage: "color a lie"
14
 
|15 years ago|2.1k views|share |citing 
APAWordNet. (2010). gloss. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/gloss/definitions/1217449
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "gloss" http://smartdefine.org/gloss/definitions/1217449 (accessed September 21, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, gloss, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/gloss/definitions/1217449>.
MLAWordNet. "gloss" 23 October 2010. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/gloss/definitions/1217449>
{ class="autoclick" }next definition (/)