Definition of iridescence
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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of iridescence from the Web
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Bring a little unexpected iridescence to your daytime look with BECCA’s Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss to help make sure all eyes are truly on you.
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Iridescence like this happens when the clouds are very thin and are made of similar-sized water droplets.
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Sometimes iridescence can be seen far from the sun but is most frequent near to it.
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View: Greta Agazzi, a 27-year-old MUA from Italy, created this beautiful masterpiece of unicorn iridescence using toilet paper.
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View: Greta Agazzi, a 27-year-old MUA from Italy, created this beautiful masterpiece of unicorn iridescence using toilet paper.
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Only on the plane ride home do those elusive, ethereal whooshes of green iridescence finally make their cameo in the night sky — but on the opposite side of the aircraft from where Mr. Dyer and his wife are sitting.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iridescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of iridescence
1804
Other Physics Terms
IRIDESCENCE Defined for Kids
iridescence
playDefinition of iridescence for Students
: a shifting and constant change of colors producing rainbow effects
Learn More about iridescence
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Spanish Central: Translation of iridescence Nglish: Translation of iridescence for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about iridescence
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