iridescente

iridescent

adjective ee-ree-deh-SHEN-teh Rare

Origin: from Latin iris, iridis (rainbow)

Usage Note

Iridescente describes a surface that shows shifting rainbow-like colours depending on the angle of light, as seen in mother-of-pearl, soap bubbles, or certain fabrics. It is invariable in gender and takes the plural iridescenti. The noun is iridescenza.

Examples

"La coda del pavone è iridescente."

Natural Translation

The peacock's tail is iridescent.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Diminutives: -ino, -etto, -one Explained

Italian diminutives like -ino, -etto, and -one signal size, affection, or contempt. Learn to read the feeling, dodge gender flips, and spot false diminutives.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Numbers 1 to 100: Count Like a Local

Learn Italian numbers 1 to 100 by mastering 0-20, the tens, and 3 spelling rules so you can generate any number from ventuno to novantanove on demand.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Noun Gender: Rules, Endings & Exceptions

Italian noun gender decoded: -o is usually masculine, -a feminine, but -zione and -tà are feminine, -ore and -ma masculine. Plus the trap words to memorize.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Dialects vs Standard Italian: A Guide

Standard Italian works everywhere, so relax: this three-layer guide to Italian dialects vs standard Italian shows what to ignore and what to notice.

June 9, 2026 6 min read