HYDROPHANOUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Hydrophanous is an adjective that describes a substance or material capable of changing in appearance when it comes into contact with or is immersed in water. The term is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "phanos" meaning to show or appear.
A hydrophanous material usually appears transparent or translucent when dry but becomes milky, cloudy, or iridescent upon exposure to water. This occurrence is due to changes in the way light interacts with the substance. The water alters the material's refractive index or affects its microstructure, causing light to scatter or bend differently, thus altering the appearance.
Some common examples of hydrophanous materials include certain gemstones, such as opal, alexandrite, and moonstone. When these gemstones are dry, they may have a transparent or translucent appearance, but when they become wet, they exhibit a play of colors or change in clarity. Similarly, hydrophanous fabrics or pigments may appear different when wet compared to their dry state.
Hydrophanous substances are often valued for their unique optical characteristics and aesthetic appeal. This property is sometimes deliberately used in various art forms, such as ceramics, glass, or painting, to create captivating visual effects. Additionally, hydrophanous materials may have practical applications, such as in fabric engineering or sensor technology, where the responsiveness to water can be leveraged for specific purposes.
-
Made translucent by water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYDROPHANOUS
- gydrophanous
- bydrophanous
- nydrophanous
- jydrophanous
- uydrophanous
- yydrophanous
- htdrophanous
- hgdrophanous
- hhdrophanous
- hudrophanous
- h7drophanous
- h6drophanous
- hysrophanous
- hyxrophanous
- hycrophanous
- hyfrophanous
- hyrrophanous
- hyerophanous
- hydeophanous
Etymology of HYDROPHANOUS
The word "hydophranous" is derived from two Greek words. "Hydro" comes from the Greek word "hudōr", meaning "water", and "phanos" is derived from the Greek word "phanēs", meaning "visible" or "manifest". When combined, "hydrophanous" essentially translates to "water visible" or "water manifest", reflecting its usage in describing a substance or mineral that becomes transparent or translucent when immersed or wetted.
