chiaroscuro
noun/kiˌɑrəˈskjʊroʊ/
Frequency rank: #19,616 most common English word
Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in a work of art to give the impression of depth and volume.

Example sentence
The painter used chiaroscuro to create a dramatic contrast between light and shadow in the portrait.
Synonyms & related words
- contrast
- shading
- shadowing
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 19,601–19,700
- monotonicunchanging in tone or pitch; lacking variation.
- mortiseA rectangular cavity cut into a piece of wood or other material to receive a corresponding tenon and form a joint.
- palloran unhealthy pale appearance of the face or skin.
- presuppositionsomething assumed or taken for granted in advance, before discussion begins.
- brazingA metal-joining process that uses a filler metal melted at high temperature to bond two base metals without melting them.
- circumpolarrelating to or denoting stars or constellations that are visible throughout the year from a given latitude because they never set below the horizon.
- denizenan inhabitant or occupant of a particular place
- juxtaposeto place two things side by side, especially to show a contrast.
- lathA thin, flat strip of wood used as a base for plaster or to support tiles and slates.
- liberalizeTo make laws, systems, or attitudes less strict and more open.