polychromatic

[ pol-ee-kroh-mat-ik, -kruh- ]

adjective

1. having or exhibiting a variety of colors.

polychromatic

/ ˌpɒlɪkrəʊˈmætɪk; ˌpɒlɪˈkrəʊməˌtɪzəm; ˌpɒlɪˈkrəʊmɪk /

adjective

1. having various or changing colours
2. (of light or other electromagnetic radiation) containing radiation with more than one wavelength

polychromatic

/ pŏl′ē-krō-măt′ĭk /

1. Consisting of or related to radiation of more than one wavelength.
2. Of or having many colors.
3. Compare monochromatic

Derived Forms

• polychromatism, noun

Other Words From

• pol·y·chro·ma·tism [pol-ee-, kroh, -m, uh, -tiz-, uh, m], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of polychromatic¹

First recorded in 1840–50; poly- + chromatic

Example Sentences

He repurposes offcuts into smaller experiments, including rhythmic, polychromatic wall-mounted pieces hanging in his own home; one is above the white oak fireplace mantle he hand-chiseled.

From Los Angeles Times

He repurposes offcuts into smaller experiments, including rhythmic, polychromatic wall-mounted pieces hanging in his own home; one is above the white oak fireplace mantle he hand-chiseled.

From Los Angeles Times

Eyelash vipers are also famous for another feature: they are polychromatic.

From Science Daily

Eyelash vipers are famously polychromatic, which means their appearances can vary widely, even among snakes born in the same litter.

From National Geographic

Somewhere close to the four-hour mark in “Bark of Millions,” the polychromatic cavalcade of splendor that is Taylor Mac and Matt Ray’s new rock opera, I finally realized why the woman in front of me had been reading on her phone throughout the performance.

From New York Times