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glaze
/ɡleɪz/
This word evokes a sense of surface transformation, shifting a matte or dull exterior into something reflective and smooth. In culinary and artistic contexts, it suggests a finishing touch that adds both protection and aesthetic appeal, creating a hard, glossy shell. When applied to human expression, the word shifts from a physical coating to a psychological state. It describes a mental detachment where the person is physically present but mentally absent, mirroring the frozen, unreactive nature of a glass surface.
Countable when referring to a specific type of coating (a lemon glaze). Uncountable when referring to the material in bulk (the pottery was covered in glaze).
Meanings
A vitreous substance fused from silica and fluxes, used as a coating for pottery or ceramics.
"The potter applied a clear glaze to the vase before firing it in the kiln."
A thin, liquid sugar coating applied to food, such as donuts or ham, to give it a shiny appearance.
"The pastry chef finished the cake with a lemon glaze."