How Do You Spell PLEOCHROOUS?

Pronunciation: [plɪˈɒkɹuːəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Pleochroous" may seem daunting to those unfamiliar with scientific terminology. However, with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation of the word becomes clearer. The word is pronounced plee-oh-kroh-uhs, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "ch" in "chroous" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, while the "ou" in "pleochroous" is pronounced like the "oo" in "book." Pleochroous describes a mineral's ability to appear different colors when viewed from different angles.

PLEOCHROOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Pleochroous is an adjective used to describe certain materials or minerals that exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. The term is commonly used in the field of optics and mineralogy.

   In optics, pleochroism refers to the phenomenon in which a substance's color or hue changes when it is observed from different directions. This effect is due to the preferential absorption of light waves of different wavelengths along specific crystallographic axes. As a result, pleochroic materials will display varying colors depending on the angle at which they are viewed. For instance, a pleochroous gemstone may appear blue when viewed from one angle, but green or yellow when observed from another.

   In mineralogy, the concept of pleochroism is used to distinguish and identify certain minerals based on their distinct color changes. By examining the pleochroism of a mineral sample under a polarizing microscope, mineralogists can gather valuable information about its crystal structure and chemical composition.

   The term "pleochroous" itself is derived from the Greek words "pleiōn," meaning more or many, and "chrōs," meaning color. Therefore, an object or substance that is pleochroous possesses multiple colors. This property is often exploited in the field of gemstone cutting and polishing, as pleochroism can enhance the visual appeal and aesthetic quality of certain gemstones, making them highly coveted in the world of jewelry.

2. Pleochroic.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLEOCHROOUS

• pleocheoous
• pleoch5oous
• pleoch4oous
• pleochoous

Etymology of PLEOCHROOUS

The word "Pleochroous" has its origins in the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "pleo", meaning "more", and "chroma", meaning "color". When combined, these words form "pleochroous", which refers to a phenomenon where a mineral or material displays different colors when viewed from different angles.