Main Entry: ir·i·des·cence

Pronunciation: \ˌir-ə-ˈde-s^ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Date: 1804

1 : a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view changes
2 : a lustrous or attractive quality or effect