Standard Lemma guide

opalesce

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /əʊpəˈlɛs/
  • General-American: /oʊpəˈlɛs/
  • rhymes with -ɛs

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be opalescent; to produce or show a play of colors, like an opal.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

exhibit a play of colors like that of an opal

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This nitrate opalesces under certain conditions

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: iridesce

3

verb

Meaning 3

reflect light or colors like an opal

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Distant clouds opalesce like pale brocade
  • raindrops caught in a sunbeam seem to opalesce

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: reflect, shine

History

Etymology

From opal + -esce.