chatoyant

American  

[shuh-toi-uhnt] / ʃəˈtɔɪ ənt /

adjective

1. changing in luster or color.

   chatoyant silk.

2. Jewelry. reflecting a single streak of light when cut in a cabochon.

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noun

1. Jewelry. a cabochon-cut gemstone having this reflected streak, as a chrysoberyl cat's eye.

chatoyant British  

/ ʃəˈtɔɪənt /

adjective

1. having changeable lustre; twinkling

2. (of a gem, esp a cabochon) displaying a band of light reflected off inclusions of other minerals

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noun

1. a gemstone with a changeable lustre, such as a cat's eye

Other Word Forms

• chatoyance noun
• chatoyancy noun

Etymology

Origin of chatoyant

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French, present participle of chatoyer “to change luster like a cat's eye,” derivative of chat “cat”; cat ( def. )

Example Sentences

She was leaning on her elbows, her chin propped in her palms, and the light in her grey chatoyant eyes was wholly innocent and mischievous.

From Hearts and Masks by MacGrath, Harold

He shook himself free and stood straight, his jaws hard and his eyes, absorbing what light there was from the stars, chatoyant.

From A Splendid Hazard by MacGrath, Harold

Shot, shot, adj. having a changeable colour, chatoyant, as silk, alpaca, &c.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Now, as the hum of conversation mingled with the sound of Muriel’s low, soft laugh, reached her from the parlor, her chatoyant eyes kindled, and she hastily went in to join the merry circle.

From Vashti or, Until Death Us Do Part by Wilson, Augusta J. Evans

But one of the prettiest though commonest gems in the island is the "Moon-stone," a variety of pearly adularia presenting chatoyant rays when simply polished.

From Ceylon; an Account of the Island Physical, Historical, and Topographical with Notices of Its Natural History, Antiquities and Productions, Volume 1 by Tennent, James Emerson, Sir

Related Words

• bright
• gleaming
• glistening
• lustrous
• polished
• silky
• sleek
• slick