How Do You Spell DICHROISM?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Dichroism is a scientific term that refers to the property of materials that exhibit different colors or hues when viewed from different angles or under different lighting conditions. The word is pronounced as /dʌɪˈkrəʊɪzəm/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as the word 'dye', while the second syllable has the vowel sound of 'oh'. The '-ism' ending indicates that the word describes a state or condition, such as paroxysm, mesmerism, or schism. The spelling of dichroism reflects its Greek roots, with 'dichro' meaning 'two colors' and '-ism' indicating a state or condition.

DICHROISM Meaning and Definition

1. Dichroism is a phenomenon that refers to the property of certain materials to exhibit different colors or hues when viewed from different angles. The term originates from the Greek words "di" meaning two and "chroma" meaning color, emphasizing the dual color effect.

   In the field of optics, dichroism describes the differential absorption or transmission of light by a substance, where the wavelength-dependent absorption results in displaying distinct colors. Materials displaying dichroism often possess anisotropic properties, meaning that they have different optical characteristics along different axes.

   Dichroism can manifest in various forms, with the two most common types being pleochroism and birefringence. Pleochroism occurs when a mineral or crystal appears different colors when observed from different crystallographic axes, due to varying degrees of light absorption in the crystal lattice. Birefringence, also known as double refraction, occurs when a material acts as a polarizing filter and splits light into two beams, each traveling at a different velocity. Consequently, the two beams display different colors when observed through a polarizing filter.

   Dichroism finds applications in various scientific and technological fields. It is utilized in polarized microscopy, mineralogy, geology, and optics research. Furthermore, dichroic filters and coatings based on dichroic materials are widely used in photography, lighting, and optics to manipulate or selectively transmit specific wavelengths of light, resulting in vibrant color effects and various applications such as dichroic mirrors and optical filters.

2. The property of seeming to be differently colored when seen under different aspects.

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

3. The property observed in some crystals of exhibiting two or more colours when viewed in different directions.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DICHROISM

• sichroism
• xichroism
• cichroism
• fichroism
• richroism
• eichroism
• duchroism
• djchroism
• dkchroism
• dochroism
• d9chroism
• d8chroism
• dixhroism
• divhroism
• difhroism
• didhroism
• dicgroism
• dicbroism
• dicnroism
• dichrois
• poychroite

Etymology of DICHROISM

The word dichroism is derived from the Greek roots di- meaning two, and chroia meaning color. The suffix -ism is added to indicate a quality or condition. Therefore, dichroism literally means having two colors or two-colored.

Similar spelling words for DICHROISM

• dicrostonyx,
• diceros,
• discursive.

Plural form of DICHROISM is DICHROISMS