From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
gloss
n 1: an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
[syn: gloss, rubric]
2: an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized
field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a
text on that field [syn: glossary, gloss]
3: the property of being smooth and shiny [syn: polish,
gloss, glossiness, burnish]
4: an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately
misleading; "he hoped his claims would have a semblance of
authenticity"; "he tried to give his falsehood the gloss of
moral sanction"; "the situation soon took on a different
color" [syn: semblance, gloss, color, colour]
v 1: give a shine or gloss to, usually by rubbing
2: provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases; "He
annotated on what his teacher had written" [syn: gloss,
comment, annotate]
3: provide an interlinear translation of a word or phrase
4: give a deceptive explanation or excuse for; "color a lie"
[syn: color, colour, gloss]