iridescent

American  

[ir-i-des-uhnt] / ˌɪr ɪˈdɛs ənt /

adjective

1. displaying a play of lustrous colors like those of the rainbow.

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noun

1. an iridescent cloth, material, or other substance.

   new fall dresses of imported iridescents.

iridescent British  

/ ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt /

adjective

1. displaying a spectrum of colours that shimmer and change due to interference and scattering as the observer's position changes

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Other Word Forms

• iridescence noun
• iridescently adverb
• noniridescent adjective
• noniridescently adverb
• uniridescent adjective
• uniridescently adverb

Etymology

Origin of iridescent

First recorded in 1790–1800; irid- + -escent

Example Sentences

From its display case in the museum’s “Stories from Mesoamerica” hall, the iridescent plumage shimmers like a rainbow encased in glass, a tropical interloper to these northern climes.

From Los Angeles Times

Her collection includes the first antique she ever purchased, an iridescent orange vase made of stretch glass, as well as the 1930s-era rocking chair from her parents’ house in New York.

From Los Angeles Times

Some were made from colorful tweed, iridescent fabric or patterned upholstery material.

From Los Angeles Times

There are exquisite medallions and hair ornaments made from iridescent abalone shells and strings of Chumash currency — tiny, doughnut-shaped beads created from carefully cut olivella shells.

From Los Angeles Times

Gandhi said that the estimated value of a male peacock — known for its fabulous, iridescent tail feathers — is $2,000, while a female peacock is valued at around $1,000.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lustrous
• pearly
• shimmering