1A gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface.

1. 1.1 The manner in which the surface of a mineral reflects light.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Uraninite is typically seen as an opaque, steel-black to velvet-black mineral with a submetallic to greasy luster.
   • The luster is normally very bright, but some crystals are coated with iron and clay minerals and have lost their luster.
   • Sperrylite is a tin-white mineral known for its brilliant metallic luster.
   • They are so desirable because of their aesthetic features (transparency, luster, and color), their durability and rarity.
   • One in the upper left was disk-shaped and appeared metallic in luster.
   • The luster of a mineral refers to the way in which light is reflected off of the mineral.
   • ‘This is a marvelous stone,’ Seiriô exclaimed, entranced by its glassy luster in the opalescent light.
   • Scolecite is typically seen as a colorless to white, transparent to translucent mineral with a vitreous to silky luster.
   • Bournonite is a steel-gray to iron-black metallic mineral with a luster that varies from brilliant to dull.
   • Its particles have a dull metallic lustre, far less brilliant than that of gold.
   • The green crystal on the pommel was a firestone from the far reaches of the north, and it was rightly called, as its brilliant luster was bright enough to dim even the most glorious of stones.
   • In fact, an artificial ruby will typically have a better colour and lustre than a natural one.
   • Many are attractive, irregularly shaped masses of well-developed crystals that exhibit a very dark shade of grass-green and a moderate to almost brilliant luster.
   • The surface luster of many of the calcite crystals is frosted.
   • Tin purifies water, has an attractive silver lustre symbolic of light, and has no detrimental impact upon other substances.
   • The faceting of each individual stone gives it its own sparkle and unique lustre.
   • Where the rock contains mineral grains it may be possible to determine the hardness, lustre and streak of the minerals.
2. 1.2 Glory or distinction.
   a celebrity player to add luster to the lineup

   Example sentencesExamples

   • We said at the time that she was by far the most bourgeois of the available contestants, and would undoubtedly add lustre to the office.
   • Perhaps Walker conceived this title to add lustre to the perceived banalities of trading activities.
   • Harry, Paul, Nick and Lance would all add a lot to the New Statesman, both in quality and subject matter, while the philosophers over at Crooked Timber would add lustre to the back half too.
   • Despite having two former All Blacks in the form of forward Jamie Joseph and scrum-half Graeme Bachop, lustre was distinctly lacking from their performance.
   • Rulers of these comparatively minor states were engaged in a fierce cultural competition, designed to add honour and lustre to their dynasty.
   • However, one luminous star of the first magnitude did slip into Toronto almost unnoticed to add lustre to that inaugural year - Jeanne Moreau.
   • The great Roman porticoes derived their luster from the fame of the statuary they displayed.
   • Even the statues of great scholars and freedom fighters that add lustre to the city's heritage will be covered with party flags and posters.
   • Presentations were made to all four by club chairman James Tobin who said their respective contributions to club and county over the years had shed great honour and lustre on their club.
   • The company is counting on its next generation of cars and trucks, designed under car guru Robert A. Lutz, hired last year to add luster to GM's lineup.
   • MDRs are public documents that do not exactly add luster to the company name.
   • He's a cinch, and he will add luster to one of the best classes ever.
   • The Korean War gave them the opportunity to add luster to their reputations.
   • The supporting band add lustre to the old arrangements, although most of them have very bad hair and play too many solos.

   Synonyms

   honour, glory, illustriousness, credit, merit, prestige, éclat, distinction, eminence, pre-eminence, notability, consequence, renown, fame

2A thin coating containing unoxidized metal which gives an iridescent glaze to ceramics.

1. 2.1 Ceramics with an iridescent metallic glaze; lusterware.
   as modifier luster jugs

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Two white lustre horses rear up on the top shelf, symbols of life on the move - although Donald says there is no going back to the old life.
   • The firm had always been keen to experiment with its styling and finishes, using both lacquer and lustre glazes, and it was this experience which enabled it to produce the Royale products.
   • At the same time, Iraqi potters developed luster glazes by adding metallic elements to the surface of the glazed piece before a second firing in the kiln.

3A fabric or yarn with a sheen or gloss.

1. 3.1British A thin dress material with a cotton warp, woolen weft, and a glossy surface.

4A prismatic glass pendant on a chandelier or other ornament.

1. 4.1 A cut-glass chandelier or candelabra.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • The church lustre was dotted with candles, joyful melodies of volunteer singers with roaring bass and piercing contralto mingled with the chant of the choir.
   • The stiff, hard Guardis on the walls, in which tin gondoliers were propelling iron gondolas on a leaden lagoon, were but faintly visible by the tentative light of the circle of candles in the quivering lustre chandelier.