iridescence
noun
ir·i·des·cence
ˌir-ə-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s 
1
: a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view changes
2
: a lustrous or attractive quality or effect
Examples of iridescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brown’s video installation moves between the cold precision of aerial photography, the swirling iridescence of oily waters, and a graphic plotting of oil and gas networks that resembles the constellations that guided enslaved peoples out of these very sites.
—
Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 2 Aug. 2024
In previous work to investigate the startling sparkle, Sweeney and her colleagues determined that despite impressive iridescence, the animals’ fleshy mantles reflect as little as about 5 percent of the bright sunlight hitting them.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024
Bright colors and iridescence in birds, butterflies and some other insects depend on how layers of different microstructures are combined.
—Tom Siegfried, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2024
The common grackle and many shimmering hummingbirds display iridescence like the way a prism splits light into a rainbow.
—Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
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Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 2 Aug. 2024
In previous work to investigate the startling sparkle, Sweeney and her colleagues determined that despite impressive iridescence, the animals’ fleshy mantles reflect as little as about 5 percent of the bright sunlight hitting them.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024
Bright colors and iridescence in birds, butterflies and some other insects depend on how layers of different microstructures are combined.
—Tom Siegfried, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2024
The common grackle and many shimmering hummingbirds display iridescence like the way a prism splits light into a rainbow.
—Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for iridescence
Dictionary Entries Near iridescence
Cite this Entry
“Iridescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iridescence. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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iridescence
noun
ir·i·des·cence
ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s
: a play of colors producing rainbow effects (as in a soap bubble)
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