/kee ahr'euh skyoor"oh/ , n. , pl. chiaroscuros .
1. the distribution of light and shade in a picture.
2. Painting. the use of deep variations in and subtle gradations of light and shade, esp. to enhance the delineation of character and for general dramatic effect: Rembrandt is a master of chiaroscuro.
3. a woodcut print in which the colors are produced by the use of different blocks with different colors.
4. a sketch in light and shade.
[ 1680-90; chiaro bright ( clarus ) + oscuro dark ( obscurus ). See CLEAR, OBSCURE ]