dichroism

noun

di·​chro·​ism ˈdī-(ˌ)krō-ˌi-zəm 

: the property of some crystals and solutions of absorbing one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other

also : the property of exhibiting different colors by reflected or transmitted light compare circular dichroism

Word History

Etymology

Greek díchroos, díchrous "of two colors" + -ism, after French dichroïte, name for cordierite, a mineral exhibiting dichroism — more at dichroic

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dichroism

• circular dichroism

Medical Definition

dichroism

noun

di·​chro·​ism ˈdī-(ˌ)krō-ˌiz-əm 

: the property of some crystals and solutions of absorbing one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other

also : the property of exhibiting different colors by reflected or transmitted light compare circular dichroism sense 1