Library / English Dictionary

OPALESCE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Exhibit a play of colors like that of an opal

Example:

This nitrate opalesces under certain conditions

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Hypernyms (to "opalesce" is one way to...):

iridesce (be iridescent)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Derivation:

opalescence (the visual property of something having a milky brightness and a play of colors from the surface)

opalescent (having a play of lustrous rainbow colors)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Reflect light or colors like an opal

Example:

raindrops caught in a sunbeam seem to opalesce

Classified under:

Verbs of raining, snowing, thawing, thundering

Hypernyms (to "opalesce" is one way to...):

reflect; shine (be bright by reflecting or casting light)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Sentence example:

The coins opalesce

Derivation:

opalescence (the visual property of something having a milky brightness and a play of colors from the surface)

opalescent (having a play of lustrous rainbow colors)

Credits