Etymology:
Meaning:
To become dull, discolored, or stained, especially due to exposure to air or moisture.
Origin:
The word "tarnish" comes from the Latin verb tergere, which means "to wipe" or "to clean." It originally referred to the process of cleaning or polishing a metal surface, but over time it came to be used more generally to describe any type of discoloration or staining.
The Vulgar Latin word ternire was a derivative of tergere, and it had a similar meaning. It was used to describe the dulling or staining of metal surfaces, as well as the fading of colors.
The Old French word ternir was borrowed from Vulgar Latin, and it retained the same meaning. It was used to describe the tarnishing of metals, the fading of colors, and the sullying of reputations.
The English word "tarnish" was borrowed from Old French in the 14th century. It initially had a similar meaning to its French counterpart, but over time it came to be used more specifically to describe the dulling or staining of metal surfaces.
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