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

More than two decades later, Survivor may have lost some of its luster, but the itch to try a survival experience remains.

From Slate

When Alexander Payne’s wine-drenched dramedy “Sideways” first came out, Santa Ynez Valley didn’t have the luster of Napa or the breadth of the Russian River Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

As with Tulane, playing in an NFL facility had been a selling point in recruiting, but sharing had lost its luster with the school and its board of trustees who watched as rivals such as Central Florida built their own stadiums and saw, in general, donations to those schools rise.

From Los Angeles Times

Erik Nasarenko believed was based on erroneous facts surrounding Luster’s offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

“In my 27 years as a prosecutor, Luster remains one of the most dangerous rapists I have ever prosecuted,” Wold said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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