sheening
Giving off sheen
Sheening is the present participle of sheen, used when something takes on or produces a lustrous, soft glow: The fabric was sheening under the stage lights.
The word is uncommon—most writers prefer alternatives like gleaming or shimmering.
Sheening also appears in hair care contexts, describing the application of products that add shine.
Shine or annotation
- polishSmooth by rubbing
- lusterSoft reflected light
- patinaSurface film from aging
- finishBring to completion
buffed · waxed · lacquered · varnished · enameled · glazed · burnished · satin
Fine woven insect fiber
- satinGlossy-surfaced woven cloth
- sateenGlossy-faced cotton weave
- taffetaSmooth, lustrous woven cloth
- charmeuseLustrous woven fabric
lamé · brocade · damask · organza · chiffon · velvet · shantung · duchess
Reflective viewing surface
- specularMirror-surfaced, image-returning
- glintBrief bright reflection
- refractionWave bending between media
- prismaticLight-dispersing, multicolored
pearlescent · opalescent · nacreous · metallic · chrome · silvery · glass-like · moonlit
Tremulous, wavering light
- glimmerFaint, wavering light
- glowSteady, soft light
- radianceGlowing luminous quality
- gleamFaint reflected light
sparkle · twinkle · iridescence · luminescence · brilliance · effulgence · incandescence · phosphorescence
gloss
Shine or annotation
finish · buffed · waxed · lacquered · varnished · enameled · glazed · burnished · satin · sleek
silk
Fine woven insect fiber
charmeuse · lamé · brocade · damask · organza · chiffon · velvet · shantung · duchess · jacquard
mirror
Reflective viewing surface
- specularMirror-surfaced, image-returning
- glintBrief bright reflection
- refractionWave bending between media
prismatic · pearlescent · opalescent · nacreous · metallic · chrome · silvery · glass-like · moonlit
shimmer
Tremulous, wavering light
gleam · sparkle · twinkle · iridescence · luminescence · brilliance · effulgence · incandescence · phosphorescence · fluorescence