Lustrous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lustrous

[ˈlʌstrəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing appearance

Having a shiny or glossy quality, especially in the context of appearance or surface.

Synonyms

gleaming, glossy, polished, radiant, shiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lustrous

used to describe something that has a natural, soft glow or shine, often used for hair, fabric, or eyes.

  • She has lustrous black hair
  • The artist used lustrous silk in her latest gown
shiny

a general term for something that reflects light. It can apply to metals, plastics, or even certain types of clothing.

  • He wore a shiny new jacket
  • The car's shiny hood reflected the clouds above
glossy

conveys a shiny, smooth surface, typically referring to photos, magazines, pages, or finished surfaces.

  • He admired the glossy cover of the new magazine
  • The tabletop had a glossy finish
radiant

describes something that emits light or energy, often used for the sun, lights, or people who appear exceptionally happy or beautiful.

  • She looked radiant in her wedding dress
  • The sun was radiant in the afternoon sky
gleaming

implies a clean, bright shine, often associated with surfaces that reflect light. Commonly used for teeth, metal, or floors.

  • The knight's armor was gleaming in the sunlight
  • Her smile revealed gleaming white teeth
polished

indicates a surface that has been made smooth and shiny, usually through deliberate effort like cleaning or buffing. Often used for objects like shoes, floors, or stones.

  • His shoes were always polished to perfection
  • She polished the silverware until it shone

Examples of usage

  • The lustrous pearl necklace caught the light beautifully.
  • Her lustrous hair shimmered in the sunlight.
  • The satin dress had a lustrous sheen to it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, surfaces that are smooth tend to be more lustrous because they reflect light better.
  • Metals like gold and silver are often described as lustrous due to their ability to reflect nearly all visible light.

Art

  • Artists often seek to create lustrous effects in paintings using techniques that mimic the way light interacts with different surfaces.
  • In photography, capturing a lustrous quality can enhance images, making them appear more vibrant and eye-catching.

Culture

  • In various cultures, lustrous items, like gold jewelry, symbolize wealth and status.
  • Lustrous fabrics, such as silk, are highly valued in fashion for their reflective quality and elegance.

Psychology

  • Humans are naturally drawn to lustrous objects, as shiny things often evoke feelings of attraction and desire.
  • Shininess in objects has been linked to positive emotional responses, influencing our perceptions of beauty and quality.

Origin of 'lustrous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lustrous' comes from the Latin 'lustrosus', which means 'shining' or 'bright'.
  • It has roots in the word 'lux', which translates to 'light' – highlighting the connection between light and shine.

The word 'lustrous' originated from the Latin word 'lustrare', meaning 'to make bright or illuminate'. Over time, it evolved to describe objects or surfaces that have a shiny or glossy appearance, often associated with beauty and elegance.


See also: lust, luster, lustre.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,697, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.