shellac

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A processed secretion of the lac insect, Coccus lacca; used in polishes, varnishes etc.
2. (US, countable, informal, uncountable) A beating; a thrashing.

Verb

1. (transitive) To coat with shellac.
2. (US, informal, transitive) To beat; to thrash.
3. (US, informal, transitive) To inflict a heavy defeat upon.

Synonyms

varnish

lac

lacquer

shellack

shellac varnish

seed-lac

beat

elemi

enamel

ferule

flog

gelatin

give up

glaze

glue

gramophone record

gum

lambaste

lash

lay off

lick

natural resin

polish

🇵🇱

quit

scourge

seal

🦭

spank

trounce

veneer

whip

whop

gussy up

japan

🗾

lacca

lac dye

seed lac

stick lac

gum lac

stop

🛑

natural gum

abate

cease

cement

churn

discontinue

drub

Translations

Schellack

goma laca

schellak

goma-laca

gomme-laque

yenmek

gommalacca

βερνίκι λάκης

γομμαλάκα

laque

βερνικώνω

اللكّ

flatting

resina laccae

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ʃəˈlæk/

Etymology

From shell + lac, calque of French laque en écailles (literally “lac in scales/shells”).