Inflected forms: pl. chi·a·ro·scu·ros 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. 3a. A woodcut technique in which several blocks are used to print different shades of a color. b. A woodcut print made by this technique. In all senses also called claire-obscure.
ETYMOLOGY:
Italian : chiaro, bright, light (from Latin clrus, clear; see kel-2 in Appendix I) + oscuro, dark (from Latin obscrus; see (s)keu- in Appendix I).
k
-är
-sk
r
, -sky
rus, clear; see kel
rus; see (s)keu- in Appendix I).
