japan

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A hard black enamel varnish containing asphalt.
2. (countable, uncountable) Lacquerware.

Verb

1. (transitive) To varnish with japan.
2. (UK, obsolete, slang, transitive) To ordain.

Synonyms

varnish

paint

polish

🇵🇱

shellac

japanese

urushi

Japanese lacquer

lacquer

Japan Iacquer

Translations

laccare

βερνικώνω

Japón

🇯🇵

Japon

🇯🇵

giappone

vernir

Japão

🇯🇵

japonaiserie

japonerie

vernir en noir brillant

lakken

verlakken

barnizar

charolar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/d͡ʒəˈpæn/

Etymology

From Japan, due to this varnishing process being an imitation of East Asian processes. Sense “to ordain” in reference to the black clothes worn by the clergy.