kaleidoscope

[ kuh-lahy-duh-skohp ]

noun

1. an optical instrument in which bits of glass, held loosely at the end of a rotating tube, are shown in continually changing symmetrical forms by reflection in two or more mirrors set at angles to each other.
2. a continually changing pattern of shapes and colors.
3. a continually shifting pattern, scene, or the like:

   The 1920s were a kaleidoscope of fads and fashions.

kaleidoscope

/ kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk; kəˈlaɪdəˌskəʊp /

noun

1. an optical toy for producing symmetrical patterns by multiple reflections in inclined mirrors enclosed in a tube. Loose pieces of coloured glass, paper, etc, are placed between transparent plates at the far end of the tube, which is rotated to change the pattern
2. any complex pattern of frequently changing shapes and colours
3. a complicated set of circumstances

Derived Forms

• kaˌleidoˈscopically, adverb
• kaleidoscopic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaleidoscope¹

1817; < Greek kal ( ós ) beautiful + eîdo ( s ) shape + -scope

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaleidoscope¹

C19: from Greek kalos beautiful + eidos form + -scope

Example Sentences

To look at it this way is like looking through a kaleidoscope and seeing a harmonious landscape.

From Salon

Their Links tote features reclaimed leather “links,” cut out, woven together and dyed in a kaleidoscope of colors.

From Los Angeles Times

Politics is an ever-shifting kaleidoscope but Labour’s enormous Budget has set new terms.

From BBC

Originally formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1978, The Cure continue to endure as alternative rock’s goth icons - pitching lyrics of love, angst and desolation against a kaleidoscope of melodies.

From BBC

They were also given kaleidoscope goggles to simulate how it might feel to be spiked and disorientated.

From BBC