polychromatic

American  

[pol-ee-kroh-mat-ik, -kruh-] / ˌpɒl i kroʊˈmæt ɪk, -krə- /

Also polychromic

adjective

1. having or exhibiting a variety of colors.

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polychromatic British  

/ ˌpɒlɪkrəʊˈmætɪk, ˌpɒlɪˈkrəʊməˌtɪzəm, ˌpɒlɪˈkrəʊmɪk /

adjective

1. having various or changing colours

2. (of light or other electromagnetic radiation) containing radiation with more than one wavelength

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polychromatic Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-krō-măt′ĭk /

1. Consisting of or related to radiation of more than one wavelength.

2. Of or having many colors.

3. Compare monochromatic

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Other Word Forms

• polychromatism noun

Etymology

Origin of polychromatic

First recorded in 1840–50; poly- + chromatic

Example Sentences

He repurposes offcuts into smaller experiments, including rhythmic, polychromatic wall-mounted pieces hanging in his own home; one is above the white oak fireplace mantle he hand-chiseled.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Eyelash vipers are famously polychromatic, which means their appearances can vary widely, even among snakes born in the same litter.

From National Geographic • Feb. 13, 2024

Eyelash vipers are also famous for another feature: they are polychromatic.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2024

Abdiel’s is more fluid, polychromatic, drawing from other dance wells, a different set of accumulated experience.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2023

He disengaged three sides of the northern palace at Kouyundjik without finding any traces of polychromatic decoration.

From A History of Art in Chaldæa & Assyria, v. 1 by Armstrong, Walter, Sir