The visual property of something having a milky brightness and a play of colors from the surface.

synonym: opalescence.

Roget 440: variegation; colors, dichroism, trichroism; iridescence, play of colors, polychrome, maculation, spottiness, striae.    spectrum, rainbow, iris, tulip, peacock, chameleon, butterfly, tortoise shell; mackerel, mackerel sky; zebra, leopard, cheetah, nacre, ocelot, ophite^†, mother-of-pearl, opal, marble.    check, plaid, tartan, patchwork; marquetry-, parquetry; mosaic, tesserae^†, strigae^†; chessboard, checkers, chequers; harlequin; Joseph's coat; tricolor.    ... show more

Dutch: regenboogkleurigheid, opaalglans
Polish: opalescencja