iridescence

noun

ir·​i·​des·​cence ˌir-ə-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce iridescence (audio)
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 When preserved in alcohol, the catfish are a duller color and lose their iridescence. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024 So the iridescence is hidden when the butterflies are at rest, only visible during flight or when a male butterfly is engaging in a mating display. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2024 Isaac Newton explained this phenomenon in his 1704 treatise, Opticks: iridescence emerges from interference, in which some wavelengths of light cancel each other out while others are reinforced. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 16 May 2023 This jewel-like iridescence is repeated across many of the pictures in the book: in an image of a white cat with one blue and one hazel eye; in that of a dewdrop-laden bud, nearly touching the tip of a finger; or in one of a bunch of silvery fish heads, their dead eyes gleaming. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2023 Silky and shiny with a touch of trendy iridescence, these cookies are an elegant update to seasonal pastels. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2022 Matte iridescence camouflages beetles better than glossy iridescence. Will Stephenson, Harper's Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023 Biologists have mostly thought of iridescence as a way for animals to show off to attract mates. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2020 Our attentions are captured through bright colors, iridescence, and thrashing. WIRED, 10 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'iridescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

irid(escent) + -escence

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of iridescence was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near iridescence

Cite this Entry

“Iridescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iridescence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

iridescence

noun
ir·​i·​des·​cence ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce iridescence (audio)
: a play of colors producing rainbow effects (as in a soap bubble)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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