Non-lustrous

Non-lustrous describes a surface that lacks sheen or shine; it doesn't reflect light strongly or in a polished way. Materials characterized as non-lustrous often appear dull, matte, or flat. This lack of shine stems from the surface's inability to smoothly reflect incident light, frequently due to roughness, porosity, or the nature of the material itself. In contrast to lustrous objects, which might evoke reflections like those from polished metal or glossy paint, non-lustrous items absorb or scatter light, resulting in a subdued visual appearance. The term encompasses a range of materials, from rough-hewn stone to certain types of fabric and finishes.

Non-lustrous meaning with examples

• The ancient, unglazed pottery shards discovered at the dig site displayed a decidedly non-lustrous finish, contrasting with the vibrant glazes sometimes found on later ceramics. They felt cold and unyielding.
• She opted for a non-lustrous eyeshadow palette to create a natural, daytime look, avoiding the sparkling shimmer associated with more glamorous evening styles and drawing a softer appearance to her eyes.
• The artist used a non-lustrous paint for the landscape, to create a muted, realistic effect; the subdued colours helped to convey the atmosphere of an overcast day, devoid of harsh highlights.
• The walls of the cave were covered in non-lustrous rock, creating a dark, slightly foreboding atmosphere, especially compared to the more inviting shimmer of an adjacent vein of quartz crystals.
• He preferred non-lustrous leather for his worn boots, as the scuffs and creases added character, and avoided the polished look of the newer styles, which seemed less authentic.