Lacquer is a hard, shiny coating put on wood, metal, or other surfaces to protect them and make them glossy.
From French *laque* and *laqueur*, based on Portuguese *laca*, from Persian and Sanskrit words for the resin used to make early lacquers. The material originally came from insect secretions used as a varnish in Asia.
Traditional lacquer was literally made from bug secretions and tree sap, polished into a mirror-like shine. When you see glossy lacquered furniture, you’re looking at a modern version of a very old chemical art.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.