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Lustre: meaning, definitions and examples

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lustre

 

[ˈlʌstər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

shine

Lustre is a gentle sheen or soft glow, like the shiny finish on a pearl. It can also refer to a quality or attractiveness that captures attention and admiration.

Synonyms

attractiveness, glow, sheen, shine.

Examples of usage

  • The lustre of the diamond was mesmerizing.
  • The painting lost its lustre over time.
Context #2 | Noun

dignity

In a more formal use, lustre can also refer to a quality of dignity, respect, or honor. It is often used to describe a person's reputation or character.

Synonyms

dignity, honor, respect.

Examples of usage

  • He carried himself with great lustre and grace.
  • The family's name had lost its lustre due to the scandal.
Context #3 | Verb

polish

As a verb, lustre means to make something shiny or glossy by polishing or treating it. It can also be used figuratively to describe enhancing or improving something.

Synonyms

gloss, polish, shine.

Examples of usage

  • She carefully lusted the silverware before the dinner party.
  • The new marketing campaign really lusted the company's image.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Middle English 'lustre', which stems from the Old French 'lustre', meaning brightness or light.
  • Its Latin root is 'lustrare', meaning 'to shine' or 'to illuminate', showing a deep connection to light.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe the shine or sheen of surfaces.

Art and Design

  • Artists often use 'lustre' to describe finishes in painting or ceramics that give a reflective quality to their works.
  • In jewelry design, lustre is crucial as it represents how light interacts with metals and gemstones, enhancing their appearance.
  • Lustre is also used in fabric descriptions, indicating how shiny or glossy a material may be, influencing fashion choices.

Science

  • In mineralogy, lustre describes how light reflects off a mineral's surface, categorized as metallic, glassy, or dull.
  • Lustre’s measurement can reveal important properties about materials, helping scientists understand their composition.
  • Different types of lustre are important criteria in gemology, impacting a gemstone's value and beauty.

Cultural Significance

  • In cultures around the world, lustrous objects often symbolize luxury and prestige, influencing design and architecture.
  • In literature, characters or settings described with a lustrous quality often evoke feelings of elegance or allure.
  • The concept of 'lustre' can also be associated with virtue and brilliance in some philosophical teachings, linking it to moral qualities.

Fashion

  • Lustre is particularly relevant in fashion, where materials are chosen for their ability to catch light and add glamour.
  • Designers often create collections featuring lustrous fabrics to attract attention on runways and special events.
  • Makeup products also use lustrous components to give skin a radiant glow, enhancing natural beauty.

Translations

Translations of the word "lustre" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lustre

🇮🇳 चमक

🇩🇪 Glanz

🇮🇩 kilau

🇺🇦 блиск

🇵🇱 blask

🇯🇵 輝き (kagayaki)

🇫🇷 lustre

🇪🇸 lustre

🇹🇷 parıltı

🇰🇷 윤기 (yungi)

🇸🇦 بريق (bariq)

🇨🇿 lesk

🇸🇰 lesk

🇨🇳 光泽 (guāngzé)

🇸🇮 lesk

🇮🇸 gljái

🇰🇿 жарқырау

🇬🇪 ბრწყინვალება (brtsqinvleba)

🇦🇿 parıltı

🇲🇽 lustre

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,750, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.