sunburst
sunburst Lexical Profile
sunburst Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sudden, brilliant emergence of sunlight through a break in heavy clouds.
"After hours of steady rain, a dramatic sunburst illuminated the mist-covered valley."
A decorative motif, ornament, or architectural design representing the sun surrounded by radiating rays.
"Above the grand entrance was an ornate gilded sunburst carved directly into the stone archway."
A decorative finish on musical instruments, especially guitars, in which a lighter central area gradually darkens toward the outer edges.
"The luthier spent days applying a cherry sunburst to the maple top of the custom acoustic guitar."
• adjective
Having a pattern or finish that radiates outward from a central point, or gradating from a lighter shade in the center to a darker shade at the edges.
"The collector proudly displayed a vintage electric guitar with a classic tobacco sunburst finish."
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 18th century as an English compound combining "sun" (from Old English sunne) and "burst" (from Old English berstan, meaning to break suddenly).