Real Dictionary

gloss
singular noun: A gloss is a bright shine on the surface of something.
uncountable noun: Gloss is an appearance of attractiveness or good quality which sometimes hides less attractive features or poor quality.

gloss in American English 1
the brightness or luster of a smooth, polished surface; sheen
to give a polished, shiny surface to; make lustrous
noun: a superficial luster or shine; glaze
transitive verb: to put a gloss upon

gloss in American English 2
to annotate a text
to furnish (a text) with glosses
words of explanation or translation inserted between the lines of a text
intransitive verb: to make glosses
noun: an explanation or translation, by means of a marginal or interlinear note, of a technical or unusual expression in a manuscript text
transitive verb: to insert glosses on; annotate

gloss in American English 3
glossary

gloss in British English 1
noun: lustre or sheen, as of a smooth surface
verb: to give a gloss to or obtain a gloss

gloss in British English 2
noun: a short or expanded explanation or interpretation of a word, expression, or foreign phrase in the margin or text of a manuscript, etc

gloss- in American English
combining form

gloss. in American English
abbreviation: glossary

gloss. in British English
abbreviation for: glossary