Polychromatic: meaning, definitions and examples

🌈
Add to dictionary

polychromatic

 

[ ˌpɒliˈkrəʊmætɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

colorful light

Having multiple colors; multicolored.

Synonyms

colorful, multicolored, variegated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
polychromatic

Used in scientific or artistic contexts to describe something that has multiple colors, especially when these colors are distinct and varied.

  • The polychromatic nature of the light spectrum can be observed with a prism.
  • The artist's polychromatic canvas was a feast for the eyes.
multicolored

Used to describe an object or surface with many different colors. Commonly used in everyday language.

  • He bought a multicolored rug for the living room.
  • The garden was filled with multicolored flowers.
variegated

Used to describe something that has different colors, often in irregular patterns or streaks. It is commonly used in botany or design.

  • The variegated leaves of the plant add to its aesthetic appeal.
  • The variegated pattern on the pottery was very intricate.
colorful

Used in daily conversation to describe something that has bright, varied colors; can also describe something interesting or full of variety.

  • She wore a colorful dress that brightened up the entire room.
  • The book provides a colorful account of the city's history.

Examples of usage

  • The polychromatic display of fireworks lit up the night sky.
  • The artist used a polychromatic palette to create a vibrant painting.
Context #2 | Adjective

differing in color

Exhibiting a variety of colors or color patterns.

Synonyms

colorful, multicolored, variegated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
polychromatic

This term is often used in scientific or technical settings to describe objects or light consisting of multiple colors. It conveys a sense of precision.

  • The scientist observed the polychromatic spectrum through the prism
  • The art installation featured a polychromatic arrangement of lights
multicolored

This term is used to describe anything that has many different colors. It is similar to 'colorful' but is a bit more formal and less emotional.

  • The multicolored lights made the festival come alive at night
  • She bought a multicolored scarf from the market
variegated

This word is typically used to describe plants or leaves that have different colors or shades in irregular patterns. It can also apply to patterns or designs with varied colors, often giving a sense of complexity or beauty.

  • The gardener specializes in variegated plants
  • Her collection of variegated fabrics is stunning
colorful

This word is commonly used to describe something that has a lot of bright or different colors. It often carries a positive or lively connotation and is used in everyday speech.

  • She wore a colorful dress to the party
  • The mural in the city square is incredibly colorful

Examples of usage

  • The polychromatic feathers of the bird shimmered in the sunlight.
  • The stained glass window was admired for its polychromatic beauty.

Translations

Translations of the word "polychromatic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 policromático

🇮🇳 बहुरंगी

🇩🇪 polychromatisch

🇮🇩 polikromatik

🇺🇦 поліхроматичний

🇵🇱 polichromatyczny

🇯🇵 多色の (たしょくの)

🇫🇷 polychromatique

🇪🇸 policromático

🇹🇷 polikromatik

🇰🇷 다색의

🇸🇦 متعدد الألوان

🇨🇿 polychromatický

🇸🇰 polychromatický

🇨🇳 多色的

🇸🇮 polikromatski

🇮🇸 fjölbreytilegur

🇰🇿 көп түсті

🇬🇪 მრავალფეროვანი

🇦🇿 çoxrəngli

🇲🇽 policromático

Etymology

The word 'polychromatic' originated from the Greek words 'poly-' meaning 'many' and 'chroma' meaning 'color'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century. The term is often used in art, design, and science to describe objects or displays with a wide range of colors.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,235 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.