lustrous

Everyday

1. Shining softly and brightly, with a smooth glowing surface, like pearls, silk or healthy hair. tree →
2. (science) Having lustre: the shiny look that metals and some minerals have when they are polished or freshly cut. tree →

In the lessons

In science (materials), metals are described as «lustrous» – shiny – which is one way to tell a metal from a non-metal. In geology, minerals are sorted by lustre: metallic, glassy, pearly, dull. In stories «lustrous» is a rich describing word for hair, fur, eyes or fabric. Phrases: «lustrous hair», «lustrous coat», «lustrous metal».

Examples

• The horse had a lustrous black coat. tree →
• Gold is a lustrous metal that does not rust. tree →
• Her lustrous hair shone in the sunlight. tree →
• Metals are usually lustrous, hard and good conductors. tree →
• Freshly cut sodium is lustrous, but it soon goes dull in air. tree →
• The pearl was smooth and lustrous. tree →
• The cat's fur was thick and lustrous after a good brush. tree →
• We rubbed the old copper coin until it was lustrous again. tree →
• Instantly the lady opened her lustrous eyes, and saw the Eagle hovering near. tree →

Note

An adjective; the noun is «lustre» (UK, Australia) or «luster» (US). Not the same as «lusty» (strong, eager) or «lust» – different meanings. In science «lustrous» = shiny, a property of metals. Not a maths word.