hydrophane

noun

hy·​dro·​phane ˈhī-drə-ˌfān How to pronounce hydrophane (audio)
: a semitranslucent opal that becomes translucent or transparent on immersion in water

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrophane was in 1784

Dictionary Entries Near hydrophane

Cite this Entry

“Hydrophane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrophane. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrophane

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!