What does shellac mean?
Shellac is a reddish-brown resin obtained from the lac insect and used as a varnish, sealant, or protective coating. Its distinctive suitability for finely finished wooden surfaces has made it especially important in furniture making, cabinetry, and the restoration of antique woodwork. Applying shellac produces a smooth, glossy finish that can be polished and, if necessary, repaired with additional shellac. The word can also function as a transitive verb: to shellac something is to cover or seal it with shellac. Although shellac is often compared with lacquer, it is a particular material rather than a generic name for every clear or coloured finish. The term also has an informal figurative sense meaning to defeat or beat someone decisively. In modern use, shellac remains familiar through woodworking and restoration, while plastic and synthetic finishes have replaced it in many industrial applications.
A reddish-brown resin secreted by lac insects and used as a varnish, coating, or sealant.
"The table has been refinished with several coats of shellac."
Normally uncountable when referring to the material itself.
To coat, varnish, or seal something with shellac.
"The restorer shellacked the chair before applying the final polish."
The verb is transitive and is most common in woodworking, furniture finishing, and restoration.
Usually uncountable for the resin or coating; the plural is uncommon and may refer to distinct shellac products or finishes.
"The workshop tested shellacs with different levels of sheen."
Despite its name, shellac has no connection with seashells: it is a protective resin secreted by tiny lac insects.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shellac come from?
The English word entered through French shellac, which was borrowed from Dutch schellak. Dutch schellak combines schel, meaning “shell,” with lak, meaning “lacquer” or lac resin; the name refers to the shell-like encrustations formed on twigs by lac insects. Its components correspond broadly to the English words shell, lacquer, and lac.
Related word forms
How shellac is actually used
As a noun, shellac is usually treated as an uncountable material or coating. The verb is chiefly associated with furniture making, wood finishing, restoration, and sealing, although figurative uses such as being decisively defeated are also attested in informal English.
Easily confused with shellac
Shellac is a specific resin obtained from lac insects, whereas lacquer is a broader term for a range of resinous or chemical finishing coatings.