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iridescence |
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iridescence (ĭr'ədĕs`əns), exhibition of rainbowlike colors on a surface. It usually results from interference interferometer. When the wavelength of the light is known, the interferometer indicates the thickness of the film by the interference patterns it forms. The reverse process, i.e., the measurement of the length of an unknown light wave, can also be carried out by the interferometer. ..... Click the link for more information. when light composed of different wavelengths is reflected from the superficial layers of organic or inorganic substances, e.g., minerals, mother-of-pearl, and the feathers of birds. Iridescence greatly enhances the value of certain gems. iridescence [‚ir·ə′des·əns] (optics) A rainbow color effect exhibited in various bodies as a result of interference in a thin film (as of soap bubbles or mother of pearl) or of diffraction of light reflected from a ribbed surface (as of the plumage of some birds). How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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The delicate iridescence of the London air gave the softness of a pastel to the gray stone of the buildings; and in the wharfs and storehouses there was the severity of grace of a Japanese print. You feel like a disembodied spirit, immaterial; and you seem to be able to touch beauty as though it were a palpable thing; and you feel an intimate communion with the breeze, and with the trees breaking into leaf, and with the iridescence of the river. Now that I look at you closely you seem all lighted up with an internal iridescence. |
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