# lustre

/ˈɫəstɝ/ (US) · /lˈʌstɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lustre
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. shine or glow

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

the soft, bright shine that comes from a surface like metal, silk, or a gemstone.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. mineral appearance

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Technical

the way a mineral looks when light reflects off its surface.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. glory or prestige

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Literary

a special quality that makes something or someone seem impressive or famous.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to make shiny

verb · CEFR C2 · British English · Formal

to make something shine or look bright.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The polished stone has a beautiful lustre.
- The geologist examined the mineral's lustre under a lamp to help identify its type.
- While the rock's internal structure was relatively simple, its surface exhibited a striking metallic lustre that suggested the presence of rare trace elements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.