iridescence

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

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

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Recent Examples of iridescence from the Web

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.

— jodie layne, Allure, "What This Week's Horoscope Means for You," 17 July 2017
Iridescence like this happens when the clouds are very thin and are made of similar-sized water droplets.

— angela fritz, Washington Post, "Rainbow iridescent clouds glistened over D.C. on Sunday afternoon," 26 June 2017
Sometimes iridescence can be seen far from the sun but is most frequent near to it.

— angela fritz, Washington Post, "Rainbow iridescent clouds glistened over D.C. on Sunday afternoon," 26 June 2017
View: Greta Agazzi, a 27-year-old MUA from Italy, created this beautiful masterpiece of unicorn iridescence using toilet paper.

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "This Insane Toilet Paper Lip Art Is Actually Stunning," 25 May 2017
View: Greta Agazzi, a 27-year-old MUA from Italy, created this beautiful masterpiece of unicorn iridescence using toilet paper.

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "This Insane Toilet Paper Lip Art Is Actually Stunning," 25 May 2017
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.

— jennifer senior, New York Times, "Review: Geoff Dyer Asks Why We Visit the Places We Do," 15 May 2016

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.

Origin and Etymology of iridescence

irid(escent) + -escence

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First Known Use: 1804

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Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

IRIDESCENCE Defined for Kids

iridescence

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noun ir·i·des·cence \ ˌir-ə-ˈde-sᵊns \

Definition of iridescence for Students

:a shifting and constant change of colors producing rainbow effects

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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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iridescence

Definition of iridescence

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Origin and Etymology of iridescence

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iridescence

Definition of iridescence for Students

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