What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lacca
Example
The furniture was coated with lacca to give it a glossy finish. [lacca: noun]
Example
The lacca varnish was applied to the wooden surface to protect it from moisture. [lacca: adjective]
shellac
Example
The antique table was coated with shellac to protect its surface. [shellac: noun]
Example
The craftsman shellacked the wooden bowl to give it a shiny finish. [shellacked: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shellac is more commonly used than lacca in everyday language and is widely used in woodworking, metalworking, and other crafts. Lacca is less common and is typically used in specific contexts such as traditional Indian crafts or as a red dye.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lacca and shellac?
Both lacca and shellac are formal words that are commonly used in technical or specialized contexts such as woodworking, metalworking, or chemistry.
