iridescent

adjective

ir·​i·​des·​cent ˌir-ə-ˈde-sᵊnt How to pronounce iridescent (audio)
: having or exhibiting iridescence
iridescently adverb

Did you know?

Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, took messages from Mount Olympus to earth, and from gods to mortals or other gods, using the rainbow as her stairway. Iridescence is thus the glowing, shifting, colorful quality of a rainbow, also seen in an opal, a light oil slick, a butterfly wing, or the mother-of-pearl that lines an oyster shell.

Examples of iridescent in a Sentence

an iridescent soap bubble
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Exploring new techniques and tactile fabrications that emulate raw materials like steel, glass and leather — the Fall collection sees sculptural silhouettes crafted in glossy oil slick vinyls, iridescent silks, metallic lamé and intricate abstract embroideries that emulate tire tracks. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Available in 15 colorways including denim, iridescent pink and baby blue, the collection is sold at walmart.com and in select Walmart stores. Hannah Malach, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025 Noritake: Metallic Collection A metallic glaze gives these Noritake porcelain dishes an iridescent effect that became popular in Europe in the late 19th century. Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024 Sparkling birdcage dresses, sheer angelic pleats, and iridescent tulle bloomers are already walking during rehearsal on the runway against artist Rithika Merchant’s towering textile panels painted with botanical and mythological references. Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for iridescent 

Word History

Etymology

Greek īrid-, îris "rainbow, iridescent halo around the moon, a flame, etc." + -escent — more at iris entry 1

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of iridescent was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near iridescent

Cite this Entry

“Iridescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iridescent. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

iridescent

adjective
ir·​i·​des·​cent ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ᵊnt How to pronounce iridescent (audio)
: having or showing iridescence
iridescently adverb

Medical Definition

iridescent

adjective
ir·​i·​des·​cent ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ᵊnt How to pronounce iridescent (audio)
: having or exhibiting a display of colors producing rainbow effects
iridescence noun

More from Merriam-Webster on iridescent

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