burnishing
nounUK /ˈbɜːnɪʃɪŋ/
US /ˈbɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
The act of rubbing something until it becomes smooth and shiny.
The burnishing of the silver spoon made it gleam in the light.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In pottery, the process of smoothing a clay surface with a stone or tool before firing to create a glossy finish.
The potter spent hours burnishing the bowl so it would shine without glaze.
3. In printing and bookbinding, the pressing and polishing of paper or leather to give it a smooth, glossy surface.
The bookbinder used a burnishing tool to give the leather cover a rich sheen.
4. In engineering, the smoothing and polishing of a metal surface by rubbing, often to improve wear resistance.
Burnishing the cylinder bore reduced friction and extended the engine's life.