iridescence

noun ir·i·des·cence \ ˌir-ə-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s \

|Updated on: 1 Jul 2018

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

See iridescence defined for kids

Recent Examples of iridescence from the Web

Stern likes Kjaer Weis Highlighter in Radiance for cheeks because its creamy, luscious texture and faint iridescence, as well as Glossier Haloscope in Quartz for its easy-to-apply stick formula and wear-anywhere subtlety.

— lauren hubbard, Town & Country, "How to Get Glowing Skin," 25 June 2018
Color’s mysterious properties, like iridescence, fluorescence and optical illusions, are still being explored and exploited.

— judith h. dobrzynski, WSJ, "‘Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color’ Review: Vibrant From Any Angle," 26 May 2018
Today, birds with iridescence, such as male birds of paradise, use their flashy colors to attract mates.

— kristin hugo, Newsweek, "Feathered Dinosaur Shimmered Like a Rainbow, Fossil Reveals," 15 Jan. 2018
The new Honor 10 exhibits the same design philosophy as the P20 Pro: ugly notch on the front, stunning blue-purple iridescence on the back.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "The Honor 10 is exactly the budget Huawei P20 Pro we were expecting," 15 May 2018
This 161-million-year-old fossil is the oldest example of iridescence in a feathered dinosaur yet discovered.

— kristin hugo, Newsweek, "Feathered Dinosaur Shimmered Like a Rainbow, Fossil Reveals," 15 Jan. 2018
The entire cocoon, or chrysalis, will then be veiled in a shroud of clear balloons with a hint of iridescence.

— lisa deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Top weekend events: Martin Luther King Jr. parade, 'Crystal Cortex,' Karl Denson's Tiny Universe," 12 Jan. 2018
Perhaps the same is true for other butterflies like morphos and pipevine swallowtails, which have independently evolved blue iridescence.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Scientists Can Now Repaint Butterfly Wings," 18 Sep. 2017
There are three iterations of this Ciaté Dewy Stix — a pinky iridescence, an opalescent champagne shimmer, and a translucent glow.

— sable yong, Allure, "7 Highlighters That Will Make You Look As Good As These Glazed Donuts," 27 Oct. 2017

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.