pleochroism

American  

[plee-ok-roh-iz-uhm] / pliˈɒk roʊˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the property of certain crystals of exhibiting different colors when viewed from different directions under transmitted light.

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pleochroism British  

/ plɪˈɒkrəʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. a property of certain crystals of absorbing light to an extent that depends on the orientation of the electric vector of the light with respect to the optic axes of the crystal. The effect occurs in uniaxial crystals ( dichroism ) and esp in biaxial crystals ( trichroism )

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Other Word Forms

• pleochroic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of pleochroism

First recorded in 1855–60; pleochro(ic) + -ism

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pleochroism

The last mentioned is a bright blue variety of hornblende with striking pleochroism.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 10 "Echinoderma" to "Edward" by Various

The pleochroism of some crystals is so strong that when they are viewed through in different directions they exhibit marked differences in colour.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

Biotite, containing haloes, 223; pleochroism of, 235; intensified pleochroism in halo, 235.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by John Joly

Such an effect is called pleochroism, and crystals which show variations in their colour when viewed from different angles, or by transmitted light, are called pleochroic, or pleochromatic—from two Greek words signifying "to colour more."

From The Chemistry, Properties and Tests of Precious Stones by John Mastin

The crystallographic and optical characters are similar to those of epidote; the pleochroism is strong with reddish-, yellowish-, and greenish-brown colours.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various

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