opalescent

adjective

opal·​es·​cent ˌō-pə-ˈle-sᵊnt 

: reflecting an iridescent light

opalescence

ˌō-pə-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 

noun

opalescently

ˌō-pə-ˈle-sᵊnt-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of opalescent

• iridescent
• nacreous
• colorful
• pearlescent

Examples of opalescent in a Sentence

once given away as a cheap prize at carnivals, this opalescent glass is now highly prized by collectors

Recent Examples on the Web

Orlando sees their house from a distance below them, small as an opalescent shell. — Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026

This holographic look has an opalescent sheen that's simply stunning. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026

On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools, cabanas, floor hammocks that hover over the sea as well as steps that lead right into it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

To determine the impact of these conservation goals, scientists need a way to understand the true size of the opalescent squid population. — Jules Jacobs, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1813, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for opalescent

• acquiescent
• adolescent
• arborescent
• coalescent
• convalescent
• deliquescent
• effervescent
• evanescent
• incandescent
• iridescent
• luminescent
• obsolescent

Medical Definition

opalescent

adjective

opal·​es·​cent ˌō-pə-ˈles-ᵊnt 

: reflecting an iridescent light

saliva is a viscous opalescent fluid

opalescence

-ᵊn(t)s 

noun

opalescently

-ᵊnt-lē 

adverb