iridescent

[ir-i-des-uhnt]

adjective

1. displaying a play of lustrous colors like those of the rainbow.

noun

1. an iridescent cloth, material, or other substance.

   new fall dresses of imported iridescents.

iridescent

/ ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt /

adjective

1. displaying a spectrum of colours that shimmer and change due to interference and scattering as the observer's position changes

Other Word Forms

• iridescently adverb
• noniridescent adjective
• noniridescently adverb
• uniridescent adjective
• uniridescently adverb
• iridescence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of iridescent¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; irid- + -escent

Word History and Origins

Origin of iridescent¹

C18: from _irido- + _-escent

Example Sentences

Some were made from colorful tweed, iridescent fabric or patterned upholstery material.

From Los Angeles Times

There are exquisite medallions and hair ornaments made from iridescent abalone shells and strings of Chumash currency — tiny, doughnut-shaped beads created from carefully cut olivella shells.

From Los Angeles Times

Gandhi said that the estimated value of a male peacock — known for its fabulous, iridescent tail feathers — is $2,000, while a female peacock is valued at around $1,000.

From Los Angeles Times

He has just released an iridescent recording of a piece written for him and vibraphonist Gary Burton by the late jazz great Chick Corea.

From Los Angeles Times

While walking through the debris fields in his old neighborhood, Aparicio was drawn to pieces of glass that had morphed into an iridescent color and slumped over from the heat of the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lustrous 
• pearly 
• shimmering www.thesaurus.com