opalescent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'opalescent' is correct and can be used in written English.
It generally describes something that has a soft and iridescent quality, like a pearl or an opal. Example sentence: The opalescent sky gleamed with beauty as the sun set on the horizon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We stepped out into the dawn's opalescent light and on to Grand Anse beach.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a mid-autumn evening, cold and dimly lit by opalescent streetlamps.

The Guardian - Opinion

These two properties make opalescent film an obvious material for currency.

The Economist

The polymer spheres and carbon particles arrange themselves spontaneously into the correct crystal structure when encouraged by a little heat, so manufacturing opalescent film should be easy.

The Economist

No-iron rations Opal fruits ReprintsThe result is a flexible film of crystals with opalescent properties that can be used to coat malleable surfaces, producing attractive iridescent hues.

The Economist

Instead, Dr Baumberg has built his opalescent material from scratch.

The Economist

The result is often an opalescent and pearlescent surface with multiple colours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One class of glazed wares produced at the kiln consisted mostly of opalescent blue pieces (ranging from grayish blue to a plum colour), many strikingly splashed or mottled in purple or crimson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Saliva, a thick, colourless, opalescent fluid that is constantly present in the mouth of humans and other vertebrates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Haze, suspension in the atmosphere of dry particles of dust, salt, aerosols, or photochemical smog that are so small (with diameters of about 0.1 micron [0.00001 cm]) that they cannot be felt or seen individually with the naked eye, but the aggregate reduces horizontal visibility and gives the atmosphere an opalescent appearance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Apocrine secretion is oily, opalescent, and odourless when secreted, but acquires an offensive smell when it mingles with the bacteria of the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opalescent" to describe objects or phenomena that exhibit a milky iridescence, like the soft, shifting colors seen in opals or pearls. This term is particularly effective when depicting subtle and ethereal qualities of light and color.

Common error

Avoid using "opalescent" to merely describe something that is translucent or semi-transparent. "Opalescent" specifically implies a milky iridescence, not just the ability to transmit light diffusely. If the object lacks the characteristic play of colors, a term like "translucent" or "semi-transparent" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "opalescent" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their appearance, specifically indicating a milky iridescence reminiscent of an opal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opalescent" is an adjective correctly used to describe something exhibiting a milky iridescence, much like an opal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. This term is most often encountered in news and media, as well as encyclopedic sources, denoting a neutral to formal register. While similar to terms like "iridescent" and "pearlescent", "opalescent" specifically conveys that milky quality. Remember, use "opalescent" when you want to capture a subtle and beautiful visual effect, but avoid confusing it with simple translucence. This word is a fantastic tool for evocative and nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opaline

Specifically references the milky, translucent appearance of opal, closely related to "opalescent".

iridescent

Refers to a display of lustrous, rainbow-like colors that tend to change as the viewing angle changes. This is a more general term for shimmering colors.

pearly

Suggests a smooth, lustrous, and whitish appearance resembling a pearl.

nacreous

Describes something having the properties of nacre or mother-of-pearl, often with a shimmering, iridescent surface.

shimmering

Implies a soft, wavering light or gleam.

glistening

Describes a sparkling or shining reflection of light.

lustrous

Suggests a soft radiance or glow.

irised

Having colors like the rainbow.

rainbow-like

Captures the multicolored effect associated with iridescence, lacking the milky quality of "opalescent".

chatoyant

Exhibiting a changeable luster or color, often with a band of light.

FAQs

How can I use "opalescent" in a sentence?

You can use "opalescent" to describe objects or scenes with a milky, iridescent quality. For example, "The dawn painted the sky with "opalescent" hues" or "She admired the "opalescent" glow of the antique lamp."

What words are similar to "opalescent"?

Similar words include "iridescent", "pearlescent", "opaline", and "nacreous". These words all describe surfaces or objects that display shimmering or milky colors.

Is it correct to describe skin as "opalescent"?

Yes, it is correct. "Opalescent" can be used to describe skin that has a pale, luminous, and slightly iridescent quality, as seen in some of the examples provided.

What is the difference between "opalescent" and "iridescent"?

"Opalescent" specifically refers to a milky, shifting iridescence reminiscent of opals, while "iridescent" is a broader term for any display of lustrous, changing colors, like those seen in a rainbow.