pleochroism

[ plee-ok-roh-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the property of certain crystals of exhibiting different colors when viewed from different directions under transmitted light. Compare dichroism ( def 1 ), trichroism.

pleochroism

/ ˌpliːəˈkrəʊɪk; 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 )

Derived Forms

• pleochroic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleochroism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleochroism¹

C19: pleo- + -chroism, from Greek khrōs skin colour

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

A very useful means of discriminating between certain stones is found in their dichroism, or, to use a more general term, pleochroism.

From Project Gutenberg

The pleochroism is strong, the pleochroic colours being usually green, yellow and brown.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Biotite is, however, readily distinguished by its darker colour, strong pleochroism, and small optic axial angle.

From Project Gutenberg