Final answer:
The term 'burnish' most nearly means to polish and is associated with making a surface shine by rubbing it to a high gloss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term burnish refers to the process of polishing something to make it shine. In the context of the multiple-choice options provided, d. polish is the answer that most nearly means burnish. Burnishing involves rubbing or polishing a surface to a high gloss. It's often associated with metal surfaces, such as silverware or brass, but can also apply to other materials like clay in pottery or even leather. The action of burnishing smoothens the surface and enhances the object's appearance by making it more reflective and lustrous.