luster

¹

[ luhs-ter ]

noun

1. the state or quality of shining by reflecting light; glitter, sparkle, sheen, or gloss:

   the luster of satin.

   Antonyms: dullness

2. a substance, as a coating or polish, used to impart sheen or gloss.
3. radiant or luminous brightness; brilliance; radiance.
4. radiance of beauty, excellence, merit, distinction, or glory:

   achievements that add luster to one's name.

5. a shining object, especially one used for decoration, as a cut-glass pendant or ornament.
6. a chandelier, candleholder, etc., ornamented with cut-glass pendants.
7. any natural or synthetic fabric with a lustrous finish.
8. Also called metallic luster. an iridescent metallic film produced on the surface of a ceramic glaze.
9. Mineralogy. the nature of a mineral surface with respect to its reflective qualities:

   greasy luster.

verb (used with object)

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

verb (used without object)

1. to be or become lustrous.

luster

²

[ luhs-ter ]

noun

1. a person who lusts:

   a luster after power.

luster

³

[ luhs-ter ]

noun

1. lustrum ( def 1 ).

luster

/ lŭs′tər /

1. 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.

Other Words From

• luster·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of luster¹

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

Origin of luster²

First recorded in 1585–95; lust + -er ¹

Origin of luster³

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

Synonym Study

See polish.

Example Sentences

Although he's soft spoken, Huerta's eyes are bold — brimming with emotion in one scene, then reflecting the dull luster of a traumatized mind in the next.

From TechCrunch

However, early victories at Miami and Northwestern have lost a little luster as both have struggled.

From Washington Post

Not the riding of course—that part never loses its luster—but everything that comes with it.

From Outside Online

Many experts say that the Siberian tundra has lost its luster since its Ice Age heyday.

From Popular-Science

Though in-game is the oldest, it’s lost a bit of luster, while esports and creator content have experienced hockey-stick growth numbers.

From Digiday

Yet when our speedster pauses for just a moment, the luster of The Flash fades.

From The Daily Beast

He has already developed a hair product that enhances the luster of red hair and has plans for more products.

From The Daily Beast

Palin arrived at CPAC with her once-blinding luster seriously dimmed.

From The Daily Beast

Needless to say, the gallows humor that is a hallmark of my former profession has lost much of its luster.

From The Daily Beast

Luster says he believed his antiques and other possessions would be sold, with the proceeds going to his two young children.

From The Daily Beast

The brilliance of his wife, and her most fascinating colloquial powers, also reflected much luster upon his name.

From Project Gutenberg

She never dimmed the luster of sanctifying grace which beautified her soul by actual sin.

From Project Gutenberg

The rigidity of her metallic eyes and their insupportable luster made him shudder, especially when the animal walked towards him.

From Project Gutenberg

Articles of brass, copper and bronze may be given a bright luster by dipping them into a solution composed of 50 oz.

From Project Gutenberg

A fine luster can be given to zinc by rubbing it with kerosene or a weak solution of sulphuric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brightness
• brilliance
• glitter
• glow
• sheen
• shimmer
• sparkle