tarnish

From Wiktionary

Pronunciation[change]

Noun[change]

Singular
tarnish

Plural
tarnishes

  1. The discoloration of some metals when exposed to air
    The tarnish on the silver tea pot must be removed.

Verb[change]

Plain form
tarnish

Third-person singular
tarnishes

Past tense
tarnished

Past participle
tarnished

Present participle
tarnishing

  1. To discolor a metal due to exposure to the air
    Silver tea pots tarnish easily.
    Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.
  2. To soil, sully, damage or compromise
    The rumors tarnished Jane's reputation.

Adjective[change]

Positive
tarnish

Comparative
none

Superlative
none

  1. Damaged, sullied, soiled, compromised
  2. John's tarnished reputation cost him the respect of his co-workers.