chiaroscuro

(kē är′ə sko̵orō, -skyo̵or-)

noun pl. chiaroscuros

  1. light and shade in a painting, drawing, etc. treated so as to produce the illusion of depth, a dramatic effect, etc.
  2. a style of painting, drawing, etc. emphasizing this
  3. a painting, drawing, etc. in which chiaroscuro is used

Origin: It, lit., clear dark < L clarus, clear + obscurus, dark: see obscure

Related Forms:

See chiaroscuro in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. chi·a·ro·scu·ros In all senses also called claire-obscure.
  1. The technique of using light and shade in pictorial representation.
  2. The arrangement of light and dark elements in a pictorial work of art.
  3. a. A woodcut technique in which several blocks are used to print different shades of a color.
    b. A woodcut print made by this technique.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: : chiaro, bright, light (from Latin clārus, clear; see kelə-2 in Indo-European roots)

Origin: + oscuro, dark (from Latin obscūrus; see (s)keu- in Indo-European roots)

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Related Forms:

  • chi·aˌro·scuˈrist noun

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