Definition

Describing a material that shows different colors when viewed from different angles due to the way it absorbs light.

Example

The pleochroic mineral displayed stunning colors as I rotated it under the light.

Conversation

Did you know that some gemstones are pleochroic?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they can show different colors when viewed from different angles.

That's fascinating! I need to look for pleochroic stones next time I'm shopping.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pleochroic → It is formed from "pleo-" (from Greek "pleion", meaning more) and "chroa" (from Greek "chroa", meaning color). The word describes a property of certain crystals that exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles, hence having 'more' than one 'color'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'more' ('pleo-') colors ('chroa') appearing when you look at a crystal from different angles — that's what pleochroic means.

Visually Confused Words