japan Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a string of more than 3,000 islands to the east of Asia extending 1,300 miles between the Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean
    Japanese Islands; Japanese Archipelago.
  2. noun a constitutional monarchy occupying the Japanese Archipelago; a world leader in electronics and automobile manufacture and ship building
    Nippon; Nihon.
  3. noun lacquerware decorated and varnished in the Japanese manner with a glossy durable black lacquer
  4. noun lacquer with a durable glossy black finish, originally from the orient
  5. verb coat with a lacquer, as done in Japan

WordNet

Ja*pan" noun
Etymology
From Japan, the country.
Definitions
  1. Work varnished and figured in the Japanese manner; also, the varnish or lacquer used in japanning.
Ja*pan" adjective
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to Japan, or to the lacquered work of that country; as, Japan ware.
Ja*pan" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Japanned ; present participle & verbal noun Japanning
Definitions
  1. To cover with a coat of hard, brilliant varnish, in the manner of the Japanese; to lacquer.
  2. To give a glossy black to, as shoes. R. Gay.

Webster 1913