Opalescence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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opalescence
[oʊpəˈlɛsəns ]
Definition
visual phenomenon
Opalescence refers to a characteristic that exhibits a play of colors, similar to that seen in opal gemstones. This phenomenon is often seen in materials that exhibit iridescence or a milky or translucent quality. It is commonly described in contexts related to light and color.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The opalescence of the water made it look magical.
- Her opalescence jewelry caught everyone's attention.
- The sky showed a beautiful opalescence during sunset.
Translations
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Origin of 'opalescence'
The term 'opalescence' is derived from the word 'opal', which itself comes from the Latin word 'opalus', meaning a precious stone. This Latin term can be traced back to the ancient Greek word 'opallios', derived from 'opallios', meaning 'to see a change of color'. The word was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe the unique optical phenomenon exhibited by opal stones. Over time, 'opalescence' has come to be used more broadly to describe similar effects seen in other materials, not just gemstones. The usage of the term has evolved, but it still encapsulates the mesmerizing quality of light interaction that can create beautiful, shifting colors, evoking the nature of opals.