The meaning of TARNISH is to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : soil, stain. How to use tarnish in a sentence.

Tarnish is a product of a chemical reaction between a metal and a nonmetal compound, especially oxygen and sulfur dioxide. It is usually a metal oxide, the product of oxidation; sometimes it is a metal sulfide. The metal oxide sometimes reacts with water to make the hydroxide, or with carbon dioxide to make the carbonate. It is a chemical change.

TARNISH definition: 1. to make or (especially of metal) become less bright or a different colour 2. to make people…. Learn more.

If you say that something tarnishes someone's reputation or image, you mean that it causes people to have a worse opinion of them than they would otherwise have had. This could tarnish their reputation.

As a noun, a tarnish is the dull layer of corrosion that sometimes forms on metal items, usually the result of the metal reacting to oxygen in the air. Metals are most likely to tarnish, but so can anything that once felt sparkly and bright but has lost its luster — even you.

to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor. The scandal tarnished his reputation. to grow dull or discolored; lose luster. to become sullied. a tarnished coating. …

Tarnish is a layer of corrosion similar to rust. It is caused by oxidisation - when semi - reactive metals such as copper, brass, silver, or aluminum meet chemicals in the air. It will cause the metal to darken or go dull by making a thin film on the metal.

The differences between tarnish, patina, and rust are that rust is never an intentional occurrence, tarnish forms a glowing bronze tone on a few types of metal, and patina is a type of tarnish that usually shows up copper. Some homeowners use paint …

Jan 18, 2025 · Tarnish is more than just an aesthetic issue; it can also impact the integrity and longevity of metal items. Understanding the science behind tarnish—ranging from oxidation and moisture to environmental factors like humidity and temperature—is crucial for anyone using or producing alloy metals.

TARNISH meaning: 1 : to become or cause (metal) to become dull and not shiny; 2 : to damage or ruin the good quality of (something, such as a person's reputation, image, etc.)