An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To make smooth and glossy by rubbing with something.

Etymology (EN): M.E. polishen, from O.Fr. poliss-, pr.p. stem of polir “to polish,” from L. polire “to polish, make smooth,” of unknown origin.

Etymology (PE): Nasu kardan (Dehxodâ) “to polish, smooth, brighten,” from nasu “smooth, bright” (mirror, sword), Mid.Pers. Manichean Parthian nswg “tender,” from Proto-Iranian *ni-sau-, from prefix ni- “down,” → ni- (PIE),

• *sau- “to rub;” cf. Mod.Pers. sâbidan, variants sâyidan, pasâvidan “to touch, to rub;” Khotanese sauy- “to rub;” Sogdian ps’w- “to touch.”