metallic luster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “metallic luster” mean?
The physical property of a material, especially a mineral or metal, that makes it appear shiny and reflective like polished metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The physical property of a material, especially a mineral or metal, that makes it appear shiny and reflective like polished metal.
A shiny, glittery quality resembling that of polished metal, used to describe surfaces, colors, paints, fabrics, or effects in various fields like art, cosmetics, and automotive finishes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling is identical, but 'lustre' is the British English spelling. Pronunciation differences are negligible.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is strongly associated with scientific/technical description and high-quality finishes.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its use in fields like geology and automotive design. In British English, the spelling 'lustre' is standard.
Grammar
How to Use “metallic luster” in a Sentence
The [mineral] has a metallic luster.It exhibits a brilliant metallic luster.The finish gives it a metallic luster.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metallic luster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new wax will lustre the surface to a high, metallic shine.
- The mineral does not lustre well when tarnished.
American English
- The polish will luster the surface to a high, metallic shine.
- The coating lusters to a mirror finish.
adverb
British English
- The paint dried lustrously and metallically.
- It shone metallically and lustrously under the lights.
American English
- The surface reflected light lustrously and metallically.
- The fabric sparkled metallically with a subtle luster.
adjective
British English
- The car had a lustrous, metallic finish.
- She wore a dress with a metallic-lustre effect.
American English
- The car had a lustrous, metallic finish.
- He chose a metallic-luster paint for the bike.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new car model's paint has an impressive metallic luster that attracts customers.
Academic
Pyrite is often mistaken for gold due to its distinct metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue.
Everyday
I bought a nail polish with a beautiful metallic luster for the party.
Technical
In mineral identification, the quality and intensity of metallic luster are key diagnostic properties, distinguishing opaque, reflective minerals from those with non-metallic luster like vitreous or resinous.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metallic luster”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metallic luster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metallic luster”
- Using 'metallic' as a noun (e.g., 'It has a metallic') instead of the full phrase 'metallic luster'. Confusing 'luster/lustre' with 'lust'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Metallic luster' is a specific type of shininess that closely resembles the look of polished metal. 'Shiny' is a general term. All materials with a metallic luster are shiny, but not all shiny things (like glass or polished wood) have a metallic luster.
Yes, absolutely. This is the key point of the term. It describes an appearance. Many minerals (e.g., pyrite, galena), paints, plastics, fabrics, and cosmetics are designed to have a metallic luster without being made of solid metal.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Luster' is the standard American English spelling, while 'lustre' is the standard British English spelling. The pronunciation is essentially the same.
Yes, in technical descriptions, especially in mineralogy. It can be described as 'splendent' (very brilliant), 'shining', or 'dull' (a weak metallic luster, like a rusty surface). The intensity is an important identifying feature.
The physical property of a material, especially a mineral or metal, that makes it appear shiny and reflective like polished metal.
Metallic luster is usually technical / formal in register.
Metallic luster: in British English it is pronounced /məˈtæl.ɪk ˈlʌs.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæl.ɪk ˈlʌs.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with this precise phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a METAL LICK (metallic) that is so polished it LUSTS (luster) for light, reflecting it brilliantly.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS A COATING: The luster is perceived as a shiny layer applied to the surface.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metallic luster' most precisely and fundamentally defined?