A shiny, bright glow or shine on a surface; also means fame, honor, or glory.
From Latin 'lustrum' (a purification ceremony with torches) and Italian 'lustro' (shine). The dual meaning (physical shine and metaphorical brilliance) developed because both were associated with light.
Pearls lose their luster over time because they're made of nacre that oxidizes and absorbs dirt—the 'luster' that makes a pearl valuable is literally a thin, fragile layer on the surface, which is why museums keep them carefully.
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