kaleidoscope

[ kuh-lahy-duh-skohp ]

noun
  1. an optical instrument in which bits of glass, held loosely at the end of a rotating tube, are shown in continually changing symmetrical forms by reflection in two or more mirrors set at angles to each other.

  2. a continually changing pattern of shapes and colors.

  1. a continually shifting pattern, scene, or the like: The 1920s were a kaleidoscope of fads and fashions.

Origin of kaleidoscope

1
1817; <Greek kal(ós) beautiful + eîdo(s) shape + -scope

Words Nearby kaleidoscope

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How to use kaleidoscope in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for kaleidoscope

kaleidoscope

/ (kəˈlaɪdəˌskəʊp) /


noun
  1. an optical toy for producing symmetrical patterns by multiple reflections in inclined mirrors enclosed in a tube. Loose pieces of coloured glass, paper, etc, are placed between transparent plates at the far end of the tube, which is rotated to change the pattern

  2. any complex pattern of frequently changing shapes and colours

  1. a complicated set of circumstances

Origin of kaleidoscope

1
C19: from Greek kalos beautiful + eidos form + -scope

Derived forms of kaleidoscope

  • kaleidoscopic (kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk), adjective
  • kaleidoscopically, adverb

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