opalescent

[ oh-puh-les-uhnt ]

adjective

1. exhibiting a play of colors like that of the opal.
2. having a milky iridescence.

opalescent

/ ˌəʊpəˈlɛsənt /

adjective

1. having or emitting an iridescence like that of an opal

opalescent

/ ō′pə-lĕs′ənt /

1. Exhibiting a milky iridescence like that of opal.

Derived Forms

• ˌopalˈescence, noun

Other Words From

• o·pal·es·cence noun
• o·pal·es·cent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of opalescent¹

First recorded in 1805–15; opal + -escent

Example Sentences

Within a few years, Marlon had started a Tahitian family and managed to buy Tetiaroa, the wild and sacred atoll about 40 miles from the capital city of Papeete, made up of a dozen small islands — motus — encircling an opalescent lagoon.

From Los Angeles Times

I raised one foot and kicked the tippy-toe spike of a traction device attached to my boot into the opalescent surface.

From Los Angeles Times

Within a few years, Marlon had started a Tahitian family and managed to buy Tetiaroa, the wild and sacred atoll about 40 miles from the capital city of Papeete, made up of a dozen small islands — motus — encircling an opalescent lagoon.

From Los Angeles Times

They traded a few lines and harmonized beautifully on the chorus — her tone opalescent, his bringing some grit — but Combs never overshadowed Chapman.

From New York Times

The doors would not open, and for a while it was just me, the opalescent fake hair, and the panicky sound of an “OPEN DOORS” button being pressed repeatedly to no avail.

From New York Times