tinsel

  1. Noun.  A shining material used for ornamental purposes; especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or silver woven into it; also, very thin metal overlaid with a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like.
  2. Noun.  Very thin strips of a glittering, metallic material used as a decoration, and traditionally, draped at Christmas time over streamers, paper chains and the branches of Christmas trees.
  3. Noun.  Anything shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay than valuable.
  4. Adjective.  Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial.
  5. Verb.  (transitive) To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy.
  6. Verb.  (context, figuratively) To give a false sparkle to (something).

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.