glazed

Glazed is an adjective and noun with several related meanings, all tied to a surface treated to be glossy, glassy, or smooth. In general usage, it describes a coating, finish, or appearance that resembles glass or has a high sheen.

In ceramics and pottery, glaze refers to a vitreous coating fused to a ceramic body during a glaze firing. Glazes are made from silica-based materials combined with fluxes and metal oxides to produce color, texture, and a glassy surface. Glazes can be transparent, opaque, matte, or crackled, and they often provide water resistance and the final color of the ware. Underglazes and overglazes describe different application methods relative to the applied glaze.

In construction and woodworking, glazing commonly refers to installing glass panes in windows or doors, or to glazing compounds used to seal joints between glass and frames. In decorative painting and finishes, glaze can denote a translucent layer of pigment applied over a base coat to alter tone, depth, or color without hiding the underlayer.

In cooking and food service, a glaze is a sugary, syrupy, or reduced liquid coating that gives a shiny, glossy finish and often enhances flavor. Glazes are used on pastries, meats, and vegetables, and may be applied during or after cooking.

Other uses include referring to a dull, unfocused look in eyes described as glazed, or to a smooth, glassy surface texture. The term often implies a deliberate coating or finishing process that produces a reflective surface.