luster

[ luhs-ter ]

/ ˈlʌs tər /

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noun

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.

verb (used with object)

to finish (fur, cloth, pottery, etc.) with a luster or gloss.

verb (used without object)

to be or become lustrous.

Nearby words

Also especially British, lus·tre.

Origin of luster

1515–25; < Middle French lustre < Italian lustro, derivative of lustrare to polish, purify < Latin lūstrāre to purify ceremonially, derivative of lūstrum lustrum

SYNONYMS FOR luster

1. See polish.

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ANTONYMS FOR luster

1. dullness.

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Related formslus·ter·less, adjective

luster

[ luhs-ter ]

/ ˈlʌs tər /

noun

lustrum(def 1).

Also especially British, lus·tre.

Origin of luster

1375–1425; late Middle English lustre < Latin lūstrum. See lustrum

luster

[ luhs-ter ]

/ ˈlʌs tər /

noun

a person who lusts: a luster after power.

Origin of luster

First recorded in 1585–95; lust + -er¹

Examples from the Web for luster

Yet when our speedster pauses for just a moment, the luster of The Flash fades.
‘The Flash’ Review: Teen Angst Gets a Comic Book Quickie|Sujay Kumar|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He has already developed a hair product that enhances the luster of red hair and has plans for more products.
Redheads Are Sexy, Dammit!|Justin Jones|September 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Needless to say, the gallows humor that is a hallmark of my former profession has lost much of its luster.
The Many Scandals Of The Prisoner X Affair|Michael Ross|February 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Luster says he believed his antiques and other possessions would be sold, with the proceeds going to his two young children.
Max Factor Heir Andrew Luster: My Lawyer Made Me Do It|Diane Dimond|February 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST

That never happened, and Luster declared bankruptcy while sitting in prison.
Max Factor Heir Andrew Luster: My Lawyer Made Me Do It|Diane Dimond|February 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The top crust should be smooth and should have a luster, which is usually spoken of as the "bloom" of the crust.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 1|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
No thought of wrong-doing had ever attached to them, and no shadow had dimmed the luster of their fair fame.
The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives|Allan Pinkerton
It still preserves in a considerable degree the smoothness and luster of its original finish.
Art in Shell of the Ancient Americans|William H. Holmes
But they do not let the sun lose its luster because a Jewish heretic has been condemned to the cross.
Christ Legends|Selma Lagerlf
It seemed dark by comparison now she who lent it luster was gone.
Love Me Little, Love Me Long|Charles Reade

Word Origin and History for luster

luster

n.1

"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.)).

luster

n.2

"one who lusts," 1590s, agent noun from lust (v.).

Science definitions for luster

luster

[ lŭs′tər ]

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.

luster

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

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Origin of luster

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Examples from the Web for luster

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