luster.

1. A soft shine or sheen produced by reflected light, especially on a smooth surface.

2. A quality of distinction, glory, or brilliance that makes someone or something admired.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• soft luster
• luster of polished wood
• restore luster
• the luster of a name
• lose its luster

On the page

The rain brought back the luster of the old oak table.

The scandal dimmed the family name’s luster.

Usage notes

Luster is the US spelling; lustre is a common variant. Figuratively, it can mean prestige or brilliance. Sense 2: This figurative sense concerns reputation or distinction, not physical reflection.