luster

[ luhs-ter ]

/ ˈlʌs tər /

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See synonyms for: luster / lustered / lustering / lusterless on Thesaurus.com

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.

OPPOSITES FOR luster

1 dullness.

See antonyms for luster on Thesaurus.com

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Also especially British, lus·tre .

Origin of luster

First recorded in 1515–25; from Middle French lustre, from Italian lustro, derivative of lustrare “to polish, purify,” from Latin lūstrāre “to purify ceremonially,” derivative of lūstrum lustrum

synonym study for luster

1. See polish.

OTHER WORDS FROM luster

lus·ter·less, adjective

Words nearby luster

lushy, Lusitania, Lusitanian, Luso-, lust, luster, lustered, lusterer, lustering, luster painting, lusterware

Other definitions for luster (2 of 3)

luster²

[ luhs-ter ]

/ ˈlʌs tər /

noun

a person who lusts: a luster after power.

Origin of luster

First recorded in 1585–95; lust + -er¹

Other definitions for luster (3 of 3)

luster³

[ luhs-ter ]

/ ˈlʌs tər /

noun

lustrum (def. 1).

Also especially British, lus·tre .

Origin of luster

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English lustre, from Latin lūstrum lustrum

How to use luster in a sentence

Though in-game is the oldest, it’s lost a bit of luster, while esports and creator content have experienced hockey-stick growth numbers.
Media Buying Briefing: As gaming explodes as an ad medium, media agencies aim to level up|Michael Bürgi|April 21, 2021|Digiday
When you’ve spent more time than money hunting for them, nice things earn a unique luster.
Thrift shopping is an environmental and ethical trap|Sara Kiley Watson|February 26, 2021|Popular-Science
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

Palin arrived at CPAC with her once-blinding luster seriously dimmed.
Sarah Palin Plays CPAC for Laughs|Howard Kurtz|March 16, 2013|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
The brilliance of his wife, and her most fascinating colloquial powers, also reflected much luster upon his name.
Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott
She never dimmed the luster of sanctifying grace which beautified her soul by actual sin.
Mary, Help of Christians|Various
The rigidity of her metallic eyes and their insupportable luster made him shudder, especially when the animal walked towards him.
A Passion in the Desert|Honore de Balzac
Articles of brass, copper and bronze may be given a bright luster by dipping them into a solution composed of 50 oz.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
A fine luster can be given to zinc by rubbing it with kerosene or a weak solution of sulphuric acid.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various

Scientific 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

OPPOSITES FOR luster

Origin of luster

synonym study for luster

OTHER WORDS FROM luster

Words nearby luster

Other definitions for luster (2 of 3)

Origin of luster

Other definitions for luster (3 of 3)

Origin of luster

Words related to luster

How to use luster in a sentence

Scientific definitions for luster