luster

1
[ luhs-ter ]
See synonyms for luster on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. radiant or luminous brightness; brilliance; radiance.

  2. radiance of beauty, excellence, merit, distinction, or glory: achievements that add luster to one's name.

  3. a shining object, especially one used for decoration, as a cut-glass pendant or ornament.

  4. a chandelier, candleholder, etc., ornamented with cut-glass pendants.

  5. any natural or synthetic fabric with a lustrous finish.

  6. Also called metallic luster. an iridescent metallic film produced on the surface of a ceramic glaze.

  7. 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.

Origin of luster

1
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
  • Also especially British, lus·tre .

synonym study For luster

1. See polish.

Opposites for luster

Other words from luster

  • lus·ter·less, adjective

Other definitions for luster (2 of 3)

luster2
[ luhs-ter ]

noun
  1. a person who lusts: a luster after power.

Origin of luster

2
First recorded in 1585–95; lust + -er1

Other definitions for luster (3 of 3)

luster3
[ luhs-ter ]

Origin of luster

3
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English lustre, from Latin lūstrum lustrum
  • Also especially British, lus·tre .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

Scientific definitions for luster

luster

[ lŭstər ]


  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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.