hydrophane

[ hahy-druh-feyn ]

noun

1. a partly translucent variety of opal, which becomes more translucent or transparent when immersed in water.

hydrophane

/ ˈhaɪdrəʊˌfeɪn; haɪˈdrɒfənəs /

noun

1. a white partially opaque variety of opal that becomes translucent in water

Derived Forms

• hydrophanous, adjective

Other Words From

• hy·droph·a·nous [hahy-, drof, -, uh, -n, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrophane¹

First recorded in 1775–85; hydro- ¹ + -phane ( def )

Example Sentences

It was milk-white, and became translucent in water, like that beautiful variety of opal, the hydrophane.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a variety of opal called Hydrophane, which is white and opaque till immersed in water; it then resembles the former.

From Project Gutenberg