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lusterless

 - 3 dictionary results

lus⋅ter

1[luhs-ter]
–noun
1. the state or quality of shining by reflecting light; glitter, sparkle, sheen, or gloss: the luster of satin.
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, esp. 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)
10. to finish (fur, cloth, pottery, etc.) with a luster or gloss.
–verb (used without object)
11. to be or become lustrous.
Also, especially British, lustre.


Origin:
1515–25; < MF lustre < It lustro, deriv. of lustrare to polish, purify < L lūstrāre to purify ceremonially, deriv. of lūstrum lustrum


lus⋅ter⋅less, adjective


1. See polish.


1. dullness.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To lusterless
lus·ter·less   (lŭs'tər-lĭs)   
adj.  Lacking distinction, radiance, or vitality; dull: a lusterless performance; lusterless hair.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

luster 
c.1522, from M.Fr. lustre "gloss, radiance," common Romanic (cf. Sp., Port. lustre, Rum. lustru, It. lustro "splendor, brilliancy"), from L. lustrare "spread light over, brighten, illumine," related to lucere "shine," lux "light" (see light (n.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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