iridescent
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˌɪɹəˈdɛsənt// UK //ˌɪɹɪdˈɛsənt// iri·des·cent
adj. shining with many different colors that change when you move it. You often see this on soap bubbles, oil on water, or the wings of some insects.
adj. characterised by a surface that displays a spectrum of colors changing with the angle of view. Often describes the optical effect of thin-film interference or structural coloration in nature.
The dragonfly has iridescent wings that shimmer in the sun.
After the rain, the puddles on the road became iridescent as the oil and water mixed together.
The museum's collection includes several iridescent gemstones, whose luster is caused by the microscopic layers of minerals that refract light in different directions.
Coined around 1800, from Latin iris, iridis (“rainbow”) + -escent.