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.

3. a continually shifting pattern, scene, or the like.

   The 1920s were a kaleidoscope of fads and fashions.

kaleidoscope

/ kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk, 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

3. a complicated set of circumstances

Other Word Forms

• kaleidoscopically adverb
• kaleidoscopic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaleidoscope¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaleidoscope¹

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

Example Sentences

In that spirit, Beowulf had made his painting, and Alexander had built a clever toy called a kaleidoscope.

Read more on Literature

The film soon becomes a kaleidoscope of passing characters, as Jay’s travels bring him into contact with all sorts of people and his mind wanders back to remember those from his past.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During the inquest, her mother, Lisa Wolff, said she was "a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours and patterns" who loved singing and animals.

Read more on BBC

Straub fragments his narrative into a kaleidoscope of perspectives that never quite align.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It's also a kaleidoscope of colours from vibrant historical murals to intricate sarees in shop windows.

Read more on BBC