trichroism

American  

[trahy-kroh-iz-uhm] / ˈtraɪ kroʊˌɪz əm /

noun

Crystallography.

1. pleochroism of a biaxial crystal such that it exhibits three different colors when viewed from three different directions under transmitted light.

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trichroism British  

/ ˈtraɪkrəʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. a property of biaxial crystals as a result of which they show a perceptible difference in colour when viewed along three different axes See pleochroism

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Other Word Forms

• trichroic adjective

Etymology

Origin of trichroism

First recorded in 1840–50; trichro(ic) + -ism

Example Sentences

Trichroism: the condition when any given part exhibits three different colors in different individuals of the same species: e.g. in Lepidoptera, the hind wings of certain Heliconids.

From Project Gutenberg

Variegation -- N. variegation; colors, dichroism, trichroism; iridescence, play of colors, polychrome, maculation, spottiness, striae. spectrum, rainbow, iris, tulip, peacock, chameleon, butterfly, tortoise shell; mackerel, mackerel sky; zebra, leopard, cheetah, nacre, ocelot, ophite†, mother-of-pearl, opal, marble. check, plaid, tartan, patchwork; marquetry-, parquetry; mosaic, tesserae†, strigae†; chessboard, checkers, chequers; harlequin; Joseph's coat; tricolor.

From Project Gutenberg