| varnish | 1. A viscid liquid, consisting of a solution of resinous matter in an oil or a volatile liquid, laid on work with a brush, or otherwise. When applied the varnish soon dries, either by evaporation or chemical action, and the resinous part forms thus a smooth, hard surface, with a beautiful gloss, capable of resisting, to a greater or less degree, the influences of air and moisture. According to the sorts of solvents employed, the ordinary kinds of varnish are divided into three classes: spirit, turpentine, and oil varnishes. 2. That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance. "The varnish of the holly and ivy." (Macaulay) 3. An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss. "And set a double varnish on the fame The Frenchman gave you. <botany>" (Shak) Varnish tree, a tree or shrub from the juice or resin of which varnish is made, as some species of the genus Rhus, especially R. Vernicifera of Japan. The black varnish of Burmah is obtained from the Melanorrhoea usitatissima, a tall East Indian tree of the Cashew family. See Copal, and Mastic. Origin: OE. Vernish, F. Vernis, LL. Vernicium; akin to F. Vernir to varnish, fr. (assumed) LL. Vitrinire to glaze, from LL. Vitrinus glassy, fr. L. Vitrum glass. See Vitreous. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| Varolius' sphincter | A thickening of circular musculature at the free margin of the ileal papilla. Synonym: ileocaecocolic sphincter, marginal sphincter, operculum ilei, Varolius' sphincter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Varolius, Constantius | <person> Italian anatomist and physician, 1543-1575. See: ileal sphincter, valve of Varolius, pons varolii. (05 Mar 2000) |
| vartabed | A doctor or teacher in the Armenian church. Members of this order of ecclesiastics frequently have charge of dioceses, with episcopal functions. Origin: Armen, a doctor, master, preceptor. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| varuna | The god of the waters; the Indian Neptune. He is regarded as regent of the west, and lord of punishment, and is represented as riding on a sea monster, holding in his hand a snaky cord or noose with which to bind offenders, under water. Origin: Skr. Varu. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| varus | <anatomy, orthopaedics> An abnormal position in which part of a limb is twisted inward toward the midline, opposite of valgus. (11 Nov 1997) |
| vary | 1. To alter, or be altered, in any manner; to suffer a partial change; to become different; to be modified; as, colours vary in different lights. "That each from other differs, first confess; Next, that he varies from himself no less." (Pope) 2. To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as, the laws of France vary from those of England. 3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as, one mathematical quantity varies inversely as another. "While fear and anger, with alternate grace, Pant in her breast, and vary in her face." (Addison) 4. To deviate; to depart; to swerve; followed by from; as, to vary from the law, or from reason. 5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion. "The rich jewel which we vary for." (Webster (1623)) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| varying | From Vary. <zoology> Varying hare, any hare or rabbit which becomes white in winter, especially the common hare of the Northern United States and Canada. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |