simonize

simonize [sahy-muh-nahyz] Word Origin verb (used with object), si·mon·ized, si·mon·iz·ing.

1. to shine or polish to a high sheen, especially with wax: to simonize an automobile.

Also especially British, si·mon·ise. Origin of simonize First recorded in 1935–40; after Simoniz, a trademark Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019 Word Origin and History for simonize v.

1921, from Simoniz, trademark for a type of car polish invented by George Simons, who along with Elmer Rich of the Great Northern Railway organized Simons Manufacturing Company to sell it in Chicago, U.S.A., in 1910. Rich and his brother, R.J. Rich, acquired sole ownership two years later.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper