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brightener

brightener

1 6.5
A chemical added in metal finishing to make surfaces smooth and shiny
  • noun
  • /ˈbraɪtənər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : brillantador
  • To achieve a reflective surface, use a specialized brightener during the plating process.
  • skin brightener

Examples

  • The manufacturer added a chemical brightener to ensure the metal surface had a shiny finish.

  • For metal finishing projects, a good brightener can enhance the final appearance of the product.

  • The technician added a brightener to the solution to improve the appearance of the metal parts.

  • Using a brightener in the plating process results in a more reflective and attractive finish.

  • Some brighteners are specially formulated for use with chrome to achieve a mirror-like surface.

  • The brightener gave the metal a shiny finish.

  • Many brighteners are used in the plating industry.

How Shiny

mirror
775 1.0
brightener
  • Specialized
1 6.5
polish
81 2.7
matte
2 3.5

Surface Forms

brightener singular
brighteners plural

Morphology

brightener = brighten (transparent) = brighten + er

Formed from the verb 'brighten' with the productive agent/instrument suffix '-er', yielding an instrument or substance that produces a brighter finish; the derivation is regular and clear.

Etymology

Brightener comes from bright, an old English word meaning 'shining', plus -en 'to make' and -er 'one who or something that does'. So in metal work a brightener is something that 'makes a surface shine', which explains its use in plating to give a smooth, reflective finish.