Pronunciation: [lˈakə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "lacquer" can be a bit tricky due to the silent "qu" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈlækər/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a "k" sound. The second syllable has a short "uh" sound and the final "er" is pronounced with a schwa sound. So, it is spelled with a "qu" but the "u" is silent, making it sound like "lak-er".
Lacquer is a noun that refers to a clear or colored coating or varnish that is often applied to surfaces such as wood, metal, or ceramics in order to provide a protective and decorative finish. It is derived from the sap of certain Asian trees, mainly the lacquer tree, and is used in various forms such as liquid, resin, or solution.
Traditionally, lacquer has been widely used in East Asian cultures, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea, to create beautiful and durable finishes on a range of objects including furniture, sculptures, and lacquerware. It is known for its high gloss, smoothness, and ability to enhance the natural beauty of the material it is applied on.
The process of applying lacquer involves multiple steps, including preparing the surface, applying multiple thin coats of the lacquer, allowing it to dry, and polishing it to achieve a lustrous finish. The resulting coating is often highly resistant to water, acids, and wear. Lacquer can also be used for other purposes such as in the art of Japanese urushi-e, where it is utilized to create intricate and delicate designs.
In a broader sense, "lacquer" can also refer to any similar type of glossy or shiny coating or varnish used on various surfaces, even if it doesn't involve the use of natural lacquer from the trees. Modern lacquers can be synthetic and based on polymers, offering similar protective and decorative qualities.
Overall, lacquer is a versatile and time-honored technique that has been valued for centuries for its ability to transform surfaces into stunning and resilient works of art.
• A varnish consisting of a solution of shell-lac in alcohol, variously coloured.
• To varnish or cover with lacquer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lacquer" is derived from the Portuguese word "lacar", which was influenced by the Arabic word "lak", meaning "to lick" or "to lick up". This Arabic term was used to refer to the resinous substance obtained from the lac insect, which is native to southeast Asia and parts of India. The lac resin was traditionally used as a varnish or coating for various objects, such as woodwork and ceramics. Over time, the Portuguese term "lacar" evolved into the English word "lacquer", used to describe the technique and the material itself.
