dichroism

noun

di·​chro·​ism ˈdī-(ˌ)krō-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce dichroism (audio)
: 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dichroism was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near dichroism

Cite this Entry

“Dichroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dichroism. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

dichroism

noun
di·​chro·​ism ˈdī-(ˌ)krō-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce dichroism (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dichroism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY