chatoyant

American  

[shuh-toi-uhnt] / ʃəˈtɔɪ ənt /

adjective

1. changing in luster or color.

   chatoyant silk.

2. Jewelry. reflecting a single streak of light when cut in a cabochon.

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noun

1. Jewelry. a cabochon-cut gemstone having this reflected streak, as a chrysoberyl cat's eye.

chatoyant British  

/ ʃəˈtɔɪənt /

adjective

1. having changeable lustre; twinkling

2. (of a gem, esp a cabochon) displaying a band of light reflected off inclusions of other minerals

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noun

1. a gemstone with a changeable lustre, such as a cat's eye

Other Word Forms

• chatoyance noun
• chatoyancy noun

Etymology

Origin of chatoyant

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French, present participle of chatoyer “to change luster like a cat's eye,” derivative of chat “cat”; cf. cat ( def. )

Example Sentences

She was leaning on her elbows, her chin propped in her palms, and the light in her grey chatoyant eyes was wholly innocent and mischievous.

From Hearts and Masks by MacGrath, Harold

He shook himself free and stood straight, his jaws hard and his eyes, absorbing what light there was from the stars, chatoyant.

From A Splendid Hazard by MacGrath, Harold

The chatoyant eyes of the leopard stared back, a flicker of restlessness in their brilliant yellow deeps.

From The Adventures of Kathlyn by MacGrath, Harold

She invariably wore gloves out of doors and a veil to conceal the chatoyant eyes.

From The Green Eyes of Bâst by Rohmer, Sax

Now, as the hum of conversation mingled with the sound of Muriel’s low, soft laugh, reached her from the parlor, her chatoyant eyes kindled, and she hastily went in to join the merry circle.

From Vashti or, Until Death Us Do Part by Wilson, Augusta J. Evans

Related Words

• bright
• gleaming
• glistening
• lustrous
• polished
• silky
• sleek
• slick