-u̇r(ˌ)ō, -ü(ˌ)rō noun
also chia·ro-oscu·ro -rō.ōˈs-, -rōəˈs-
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Italian, from chiaro light (from Latin clarus ) + oscuro dark, from Latin obscurus — more at clear , obscure
1. : pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard for or use of colors in the objects depicted
a sketch in chiaroscuro
specifically : drawing or painting in black and white
2.
a. : the arrangement or treatment of the light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art
b. : interplay, variety, or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood, style, character, or spirit) thought of as lightness and darkness
Mynheer had little chiaroscuro in his composition; he was prone to call a spade a spade — Norman Douglas
3.
a. : a 16th century woodcut technique in which forms are defined in terms of light and shade through the use of several blocks one of which is used to print deep, sometimes black, shadows and the others moderated shades of a single color
b. : a print produced by this technique
4. : the use of marked light and shade contrasts for decorative or dramatic effect in painting
the great power of high light and deep shadow that we today call chiaroscuro — Christian Science Monitor
— compare sfumato , tenebroso
5. : interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface
a spotlight revealing a chiaroscuro of ridges and craters on a mountainside
6. : the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow