nail-polish

A woman applies nail-polish to her fingernails.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Cosmetic product for fingernails or toenails: "nail polish" is a liquid lacquer applied to the nails to color them, protect them, or add shine. It is typically available in various colors and finishes.

Usage Examples

• (A cosmetic product for coloring fingernails.)
• (A cosmetic product for protecting or decorating nails.)

Advanced Usage

• "nail polish remover": a solvent used to dissolve and remove nail polish from nails.

  • She used nail polish remover to clean her nails before the manicure. (A chemical solution for removing the cosmetic product.)

• "to chip one's nail polish": to cause small pieces of the dried lacquer to break off.

  • She chipped her nail polish while opening a can of soda. (The cosmetic layer was damaged.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nail polish (n): the standard spelling (also written as "nail-polish" with a hyphen in some contexts).

  • The store sells a wide range of nail polish colors. (The cosmetic product for nails.)

• Nail varnish (n): a synonym, more common in British English.

  • She applied a layer of nail varnish to match her dress. (The same cosmetic product.)

Synonyms

• Nail lacquer: a technical term for the same product.

  • The nail lacquer dried quickly and had a glossy finish. (A cosmetic coating for nails.)

• Nail enamel: another synonym, often used in formal or commercial contexts.

  • This nail enamel is long-lasting and chip-resistant. (A cosmetic product for nails.)

Related Idioms

• "Polish one's nails": to apply or maintain nail polish (often used metaphorically to indicate preparing or improving appearance).

  • She spent the afternoon polishing her nails for the wedding. (Applying or caring for nail polish.)

• "Nail polish job": informal, referring to a meticulous or careful application of nail polish.

  • Her nail polish job was flawless, with no smudges. (The act or result of applying the cosmetic product.)