Lustred: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'lustre' comes from the Latin word 'lustrare', meaning 'to illuminate' or 'to make bright'.
• It’s been in use since the 14th century, where it described the quality of light reflecting from objects.
• In the UK, 'lustre' is the standard spelling, while 'luster' is more common in American English.

Art & Design

• Artists often use the term to describe surfaces that catch the light beautifully, enhancing the visual appeal of paintings.
• In ceramics, lustred glazes can create mesmerizing patterns that shift colors under different lighting.
• Historically, lustreware is a type of pottery that has a metallic glaze, giving it a distinctive shimmering effect.

Science

• In optics, lustre can describe how light interacts with a surface, including properties like glossiness and sheen.
• Materials that display lustre can be categorized into metallic, vitreous, and silky, depending on their reflective qualities.
• Minerals are often described using this term to help identify their appearance, which can include metallic or pearly finishes.

Literature

• In poetry, lustre is often used metaphorically to describe qualities like beauty or radiance, enhancing emotional impact.
• Classic literature frequently portrays characters or settings as 'lustrous' to evoke majesty or allure.
• Romantic writers often associated natural phenomena like moonlight or starshine with lustre, deepening themes of love and longing.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, shiny objects are seen as symbols of wealth and success, often used in jewelry and adornments.
• Festivals around the world celebrate light, where lustrous decorations play a key role, reflecting joy and vibrancy.
• In religion, lustre can imply divine beauty or purity, often described in texts or sacred art.