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Definition of opalescent

opalescent

/ˌoʊpəˈlɛsənt/
o · pal · es · cent
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opalescent Lexical Profile

opalescent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing a milky, shifting play of colors like that of an opal; iridescent.

Example

"The antique vase was made of opalescent glass that shimmered with pale blues and pinks in the sunlight."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for opalescent

• Nearby Words

opaekaa
opah
opal
opalescent
opaleye
opaque
opaquely

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from 'opal' and the suffix '-escent', ultimately tracing back via Latin 'opalus' and Ancient Greek 'opallios' to Sanskrit 'upala', meaning 'precious stone'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Opalescent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/opalescent
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