iridescence

[ ir-i-des-uhns ]

noun

1. iridescent quality; a play of lustrous, changing colors.

Other Words From

• nonir·i·descence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of iridescence¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; irid- + -escence

Example Sentences

“For example, when you look at oyster shells, they have an iridescence of pearly green and blue, and that’s definitely from minerals like copper,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

Tentacular growths begin to invade the offshore structure, shimmering with oily iridescence against the rig’s dull, cold steel.

From New York Times

Out of the 16,724 known species and subspecies of ants worldwide, only a few exhibit blue coloration or iridescence.

From Science Daily

And I think it's because it's got the iridescence to it as well.

From Salon

Her eyes are turquoise and sparkly; her feathers a silky black with a sheen of iridescence, sometimes green, sometimes lavender depending on the light.

From Seattle Times