Word of the Day: Iridescent

🔊 Pronunciation: /ˌɪrɪˈdɛs(ə)nt/

🗣️ Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition:

Iridescent describes something that shows luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles, like a rainbow-like shimmer or glow.

Examples:

1. "The soap bubble was iridescent in the sunlight."

(It shimmered with rainbow-like colors as the light hit it.)

2. "She wore an iridescent dress that sparkled with every movement."

(The colors on the dress appeared to shift as she moved.)

3. "The beetle’s shell had an iridescent sheen."

(The surface reflected changing colors depending on the viewing angle.)

🧠 Bonus Tip:

"Iridescent" comes from Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. 🌈

You often see iridescence in:

• Bubbles
• Oil slicks
• Peacock feathers
• Certain minerals or insects

This effect is caused by light interference, not by pigments, so the colors shift based on how light reflects off the surface.