opalescent

1 of 2

adjective

opal·​es·​cent ˌō-pə-ˈle-sᵊnt How to pronounce opalescent (audio)
Synonyms of opalescentnext
: reflecting an iridescent light
opalescence
ˌō-pə-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce opalescent (audio)
noun
opalescently
ˌō-pə-ˈle-sᵊnt-lē How to pronounce opalescent (audio)
adverb

opalescence

2 of 2

noun

opal·​es·​cence ˌōpəˈlesᵊn(t)s How to pronounce opalescence (audio)
plural -s
: the quality or state of being opalescent
that mother-of-pearl opalescence which shimmers in the hollowness of certain seashells—J. C. Powys

Synonyms of opalescent

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Adjective

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Examples of opalescent in a Sentence

Adjective once given away as a cheap prize at carnivals, this opalescent glass is now highly prized by collectors
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Orlando sees their house from a distance below them, small as an opalescent shell. — Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026 This holographic look has an opalescent sheen that's simply stunning. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026 On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools, cabanas, floor hammocks that hover over the sea as well as steps that lead right into it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 To determine the impact of these conservation goals, scientists need a way to understand the true size of the opalescent squid population. — Jules Jacobs, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for opalescent

Word History

Etymology

Noun

opal + -escence

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opalescent was circa 1813

Rhymes for opalescent

See All Rhymes for opalescent

Browse Nearby Words

opalescence
opalescent
opalescently
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Cite this Entry

“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opalescent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

opalescent

adjective
opal·​es·​cent ˌō-pə-ˈles-ᵊnt How to pronounce opalescent (audio)
: reflecting an iridescent light
saliva is a viscous opalescent fluid
opalescence
-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce opalescent (audio)
noun
opalescently
-ᵊnt-lē How to pronounce opalescent (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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