iridescence

noun

ir·​i·​des·​cence ˌir-ə-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s 

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

Examples of iridescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The midnight purple color-shifting material was designed to replicate the iridescence of a raven's feathers, which is woven across the jerseys, including the number set and shields on each sleeve. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Design-wise, colors are subtle, not loud: soft blues and shimmering grays with little pops of iridescence, like the pearled penny-tile wraparound of the bar, or the slight sheen of a carpet, just enough to keep things vibrant but not too flashy. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

For an airy take on amethyst, go for a lavender hue with pink iridescence. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

It is covered in groovy colors with a metallic iridescence. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irid(escent) + -escence

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for iridescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

Kids Definition

iridescence

noun

ir·​i·​des·​cence ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s 

: a play of colors producing rainbow effects (as in a soap bubble)