IRIDESCENT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does iridescent mean? 

• IRIDESCENT (adjective)
  The adjective IRIDESCENT has 2 senses:

1. varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles

2. having a play of lustrous rainbow colors

  Familiarity information: IRIDESCENT used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IRIDESCENT (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles

Synonyms:

changeable; chatoyant; iridescent; shot

Context example:

a dragonfly hovered, vibrating and iridescent

Similar:

colorful; colourful (having much or varied color)

Derivation:

iridesce (be iridescent)

iridescence (the visual property of something having a milky brightness and a play of colors from the surface)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having a play of lustrous rainbow colors

Synonyms:

iridescent; nacreous; opalescent; opaline; pearlescent

Context example:

a milky opalescent (or opaline) luster

Similar:

bright (emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts)

Derivation:

iridesce (be iridescent)

iridescence (the visual property of something having a milky brightness and a play of colors from the surface)

 Context examples 

I am not going in this time with any iridescent ideas.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Rich furs and strange iridescent mats from some Oriental bazaar were scattered upon the floor.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Iridophores have layers of reflecting plates that create iridescent greens, blues, silvers and golds, while leucophores are cells which can detect what colors best match the animal's surrounding.

(Octopuses can dream, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)