Word
lustre
Phoneticslus·tre, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫəstɝ/
UK/lˈʌstɐ/
US spelling · luster
Definitions
01shine or glow
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun British English
n. the soft, bright shine that comes from a surface like metal, silk, or a gemstone.
n. the quality or state of shining by reflecting light; a gentle sheen or soft radiance.
“The old silver coins had lost their lustre after years in the drawer.”
“The silk fabric possessed a natural lustre that caught the candlelight, making the gown appear to glow from within during the evening reception.”
Antonyms
02mineral appearance
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science British English · Technical
n. the way a mineral looks when light reflects off its surface.
n. the appearance of a mineral surface in terms of its light-reflective qualities, categorized as metallic or non-metallic.
“Geologists use lustre to help identify different types of rocks and minerals.”
“The specimen was identified as galena due to its distinct metallic lustre and cubic cleavage planes.”
Synonyms
03glory or prestige
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun British English · Literary
n. a special quality that makes something or someone seem impressive or famous.
n. a metaphorical radiance or brilliance; the prestige or glory associated with a person or achievement.
“The scandal added no lustre to the politician's already damaged reputation.”
“The presence of several Nobel laureates added considerable lustre to the international physics conference.”
Synonyms
04to make shiny
C2 · Proficiency British English · Formal
v. to make something shine or look bright.
v. to impart a sheen or gloss to a surface; to make something lustrous.
“The craftsman worked for hours to lustre the wood until it shone.”
“The final stage of the process involves a specialized oil used to lustre the leather, ensuring a deep and lasting finish.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Additionally, beeswax can be used to alter a cosmetic product's physical properties, such as to increase a lipstick's luster and hardness, enhance its color and sensory characteristics, and improve its application characteristics.” “But as the rains begin to return, what can gardeners do to restore their garden's luster?” Etymology
From Middle French lustre. See luster (etymology 1).
From Middle English lustre, from Latin lustrum, from Old Latin *loustrom, of uncertain origin. More at lustrum.
From Latin lustra (“wilds, woods”), thought to derive from unattested dustrum, from unattested Ancient Greek δύστρον (*dústron, “place animals wallow”), from δύω (dúō, “to plunge, to wallow”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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