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Iridescent

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vocabulary

Iridescent

Showing rainbow colors that shift with angle

Colors That Shift

A soap bubble floats past—pink, then green, then blue, all in one second. An oil slick on wet pavement shows rainbow bands. A peacock feather changes color as you move. This is iridescent: colors that shift depending on the viewing angle.

The word comes from Iris, the Greek goddess of rainbows.

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examples

Iridescent in Different Contexts

See how iridescence appears in bubbles, oil, feathers, and insects

Large soap bubble showing swirling rainbow colors across its surface, pink purple green blue bands shifting and flowing, dark background

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Soap bubbles are iridescent—their thin film creates ever-shifting rainbow bands.

Close-up of peacock feather eye showing brilliant blue green gold colors that appear to shift, microscopic structure visible

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Peacock feathers are iridescent—their colors come from structure, not pigment.

Oil slick on wet pavement showing rainbow colors in swirling patterns, purple blue green yellow reflecting on dark wet surface

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Oil on water creates an iridescent film as light bounces between thin layers.

Jewel beetle with metallic iridescent shell showing green gold copper color shifts, insect on leaf, natural lighting

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Many beetles have iridescent shells that flash different colors as they move.

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quiz

Iridescent Quiz

Test your understanding of iridescent in context

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How does iridescent differ from luminous?

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