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

synonym: iridescence.

Roget 427: semitransparency, translucency, semiopacity; opalescence, milkiness, pearliness^†; gauze, muslin; film; mica, mother-of-pearl, nacre; mist etc. (cloud) 353.    [opalescent jewel] opal.    turbidity etc. 426.1. ... show more

Dutch: regenboogkleurigheid, opaalglans
Polish: opalescencja