Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Origin: shell + lac 'hard substance produced by an insect' (15-21 centuries) (from Portuguese laca; LACQUER1), translating French laque en écailles 'lac in thin flakes'

shellac

 noun
     
shel‧lac [uncountable]
a type of transparent paint for protecting or hardening surfaces
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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