whitewash

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a defeat in which the losing person or team fails to score
  2. noun wash consisting of lime and size in water; used for whitening walls and other surfaces
  3. noun a specious or deceptive clearing that attempts to gloss over failings and defects

Etymology

The noun is derived from white (adjective) + wash (noun). Noun sense 5.1 (“medicinal preparation for treating skin diseases”) is a calque of New Latin lōtiō alba (literally “white wash”). The verb is derived partly from white (adjective) + wash (verb), and partly from the noun.

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