Adjacent Words

chiaroscuro definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a monochrome picture made by using several different shades of the same color

Merriam Webster's

noun (plural -ros) Etymology: Italian, from chiaro clear, light + oscuro obscure, dark Date: 1686 1. pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color 2. a. the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art b. the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character) 3. a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color; also a print made by this technique 4. the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface 5. the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. 1 the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting. 2 the use of contrast in literature etc. 3 (attrib.) half-revealed. Etymology: It. f. chiaro CLEAR + oscuro dark, OBSCURE

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Chiaroscuro Chia`ro*scu"ro, Chiaro-oscuro Chi*a"ro-os*cu"ro, n. [It., clear dark.] (a) The arrangement of light and dark parts in a work of art, such as a drawing or painting, whether in monochrome or in color. (b) The art or practice of so arranging the light and dark parts as to produce a harmonious effect. Cf. Clair-obscur.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

Chiaroscuro is the use of light and shade in a picture, or the effect produced by light and shade in a place. ...the natural chiaroscuro of the place.