Main Entry:

chiar·oscu·ro

Pronunciation:

\-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō, -ˈsku̇r-\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

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 color2 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 technique4: the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface5: the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow