luster
1- the state or quality of shining by reflecting light; glitter, sparkle, sheen, or gloss: the luster of satin.
- a substance, as a coating or polish, used to impart sheen or gloss.
- radiant or luminous brightness; brilliance; radiance.
- radiance of beauty, excellence, merit, distinction, or glory: achievements that add luster to one's name.
- a shining object, especially one used for decoration, as a cut-glass pendant or ornament.
- a chandelier, candleholder, etc., ornamented with cut-glass pendants.
- any natural or synthetic fabric with a lustrous finish.
- Also called metallic luster. an iridescent metallic film produced on the surface of a ceramic glaze.
- Mineralogy. the nature of a mineral surface with respect to its reflective qualities: greasy luster.
- to finish (fur, cloth, pottery, etc.) with a luster or gloss.
- to be or become lustrous.
Origin of luster
1Synonyms for luster
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms for luster
luster
2Origin of luster
2luster
3- a person who lusts: a luster after power.
Origin of luster
3Related Words for luster
brightness, brilliance, shimmer, sparkle, glitter, sheen, glow, resplendence, effulgence, radiance, gleam, glaze, dazzle, iridescence, brilliancy, burnish, glint, polish, lambency, refulgenceExamples from the Web for luster
Contemporary Examples of luster
Yet when our speedster pauses for just a moment, the luster of The Flash fades.
He has already developed a hair product that enhances the luster of red hair and has plans for more products.
Needless to say, the gallows humor that is a hallmark of my former profession has lost much of its luster.
Luster says he believed his antiques and other possessions would be sold, with the proceeds going to his two young children.
That never happened, and Luster declared bankruptcy while sitting in prison.
Historical Examples of luster
Her face was sallow and dry, and the luster had gone from her black hair.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
Holding toward the lamp a glass, clear as crystal, with luster like a gem.
The StrollersFrederic S. Isham
He took it up and passed the luster of it slowly through his fingers.
The Trimming of GoosieJames Hopper
Every time I come here I do the best I can to keep the luster to his name.
The Lure of the MaskHarold MacGrath
Her lifted veil made a fine mist above the luster of her eyes.
The Coast of ChanceEsther Chamberlain
Word Origin and History for luster
"gloss, radiance," 1520s, from Middle French lustre "gloss, radiance" (14c.), common Romanic (cf. Spanish and Portuguese lustre, Rumanian lustru, Italian lustro "splendor, brilliancy"), from Latin lustrare "spread light over, brighten, illumine," related to lucere "shine," lux "light" (see light (n.)).
"one who lusts," 1590s, agent noun from lust (v.).
luster
- The shine from the surface of a mineral. Luster is important in describing different kinds of minerals. It is usually characterized as metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull.