luster
1the 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
1- Also especially British, lus·tre .
synonym study For luster
Opposites for luster
Other words from luster
- lus·ter·less, adjective
Other definitions for luster (2 of 3)
a person who lusts: a luster after power.
Origin of luster
2Other definitions for luster (3 of 3)
Origin of luster
3- Also especially British, lus·tre .
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use luster in a sentence
The animal was so underfed that his ribs were showing under his lusterless chestnut coat.
Lowden has yet to announce her candidacy; when she does, she will face a pool of lusterless no-names in the primary.
Her lusterless eyes were fired by the only thing that could fire them: her bitter jealousy.
Hidden Gold | Wilder AnthonyHe lost all desire for food, and his lusterless eyes and pale skin told how he suffered.
The Blue and The Gray | A. R. WhiteNotice the effect (lusterless) of fabrics containing much dressing after washing.
Textiles | William H. Dooley
Her large and lusterless eyes gazed at them with indifference.
Throckmorton | Molly Elliot SeawellIt wasn't conceit that told her that her black hair, not lusterless but with a satiny sheen, was rare in its soft luxuriousness.
Find the Woman | Arthur Somers Roche
Scientific definitions for 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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