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

Like Casimiro, many are expats from the wreckage of iconic glossy magazines that lost luster in an era of consolidation, venture capitalism and attention spans deemed too short to consume anything but algorithmic candy.

From New York Times

For the N.B.A., cable channels like TNT have lost their luster.

From New York Times

Thirty years later, democracy has lost its luster for a new generation.

From New York Times

Both teams are under .500, costing the matchup some of its luster.

From Seattle Times

The Predators have lost six straight playoff games on home ice, taking some of the luster off the franchise’s reputation as Smashville.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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