early 14c., from Old French burniss- present participle stem of burnir, metathesis of brunir "to shine, gleam, sparkle" (trans.), "to polish, make sparkle, make bright, shine," from brun "brown; polished," from Frankish or some other Germanic source (compare Old High German brun, Old Norse brunn "bright, polished; brown;" see brown (adj.)). The connection to "brown" might be explained if the original objects in mind were wooden ones. Related: Burnished; burnishing.
权威例句
1. The European Parliament badly needs a president who can burnish its image.
欧洲议会急需一位能改善其声望的主席。
2. Such bipartisanship will do something to burnish his reputation as a reformer.
这样的两党合作将对凸显布什作为改革者的声誉或有助益.
3. Act well with vitamin B, can maintain the burnish of the hair.
和维生素B一起作用, 可保持头发的光泽.
4. Many people, fearful for their jobs, are trying to burnish their contacts at other firms.
许多人因为担心自己的工作, 正在努力抹去和其他公司接触的痕迹.
5. But GlaxoSmithKline is taking a step in Europe that may burnish its image.