Lustre Meaning and Definition

Lustre

Lustre

Pronunciation

/ˈlʌstər/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A subtle shimmer or glow, typically on the surface of an object, giving it a radiant appearance.

Examples

  • The jewelry on the display case had a soft lustre.
  • The lustre on the glass vase caught the light, making it shimmer.

Synonyms

  • Sheen
  • Glow

Antonyms

  • Dullness
  • Flatness

Etymology

The word “lustre” comes from the Latin “lustro”, meaning “to shine” or “to polish”.

Usage Notes

Lustre can be used to describe the subtle shining or glowing effect on a surface, often used to describe jewelry, fabrics, or metalwork.

Cultural References

Lustre has appeared in various forms of art and literature, including in descriptions of gemstones and precious metals in fantasy fiction.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Lustre on the surface” is an idiomatic phrase used to describe something that appears attractive or appealing, but may lack depth or substance.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Sheen
  • Glimmer
  • Luminosity

Collocations

  • “Lustre on the glass”
  • “Lustre on the metal”
  • “Lustre of the gemstone”

Frequency of Use

Lustre is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in specialized contexts, such as descriptions of jewelry or metalwork.

Common Misspellings

  • Lustra
  • Lustir
  • Lustr

Related Words