Firnis

varnish

noun FIR-nis Rare

Origin: from Medieval Latin veronix

Usage Note

Firnis is the protective transparent coat applied over a finished oil painting; it deepens colours and shields the surface. It is masculine: der Firnis; the verb is firnissen.

Examples

"Der alte Firnis hatte sich gelblich verfärbt."

Natural Translation

The old varnish had yellowed.

Literal Translation

The old varnish had itself yellowish discoloured.

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