trichroism

[ trahy-kroh-iz-uhm ]

noun

, Crystallography.

1. pleochroism of a biaxial crystal such that it exhibits three different colors when viewed from three different directions under transmitted light.

trichroism

/ ˈtraɪkrəʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. a property of biaxial crystals as a result of which they show a perceptible difference in colour when viewed along three different axes See pleochroism

Derived Forms

• triˈchroic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trichroism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; trichro(ic) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of trichroism¹

C19: from Greek trikhroos three-coloured, from tri- + khrōma colour

Example Sentences

Trichroism: the condition when any given part exhibits three different colors in different individuals of the same species: e.g. in Lepidoptera, the hind wings of certain Heliconids.

From Project Gutenberg

Variegation -- N. variegation; colors, dichroism, trichroism; iridescence, play of colors, polychrome, maculation, spottiness, striae. spectrum, rainbow, iris, tulip, peacock, chameleon, butterfly, tortoise shell; mackerel, mackerel sky; zebra, leopard, cheetah, nacre, ocelot, ophite†, mother-of-pearl, opal, marble. check, plaid, tartan, patchwork; marquetry-, parquetry; mosaic, tesserae†, strigae†; chessboard, checkers, chequers; harlequin; Joseph's coat; tricolor.

From Project Gutenberg