METACHROMATISM Meaning and
Definition
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Metachromatism refers to the phenomenon where the color of a substance changes when observed under different light sources or from different angles. Specifically, it is the property of certain materials or minerals to exhibit a variation in color as a result of the way they absorb, reflect, or transmit light. The term "metachromatism" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning "change" and "chroma" meaning "color."
This optical effect is commonly observed in several natural substances, such as certain gemstones, minerals, and crystals. For instance, an example of metachromatic gemstone is alexandrite, which appears green in daylight but transforms to red under incandescent light. Similarly, labradorescence is another form of metachromatism seen in Labradorite gemstones, displaying a vibrant play of colors when viewed from different angles.
Metachromatism is a consequence of the interaction between light and the physical properties of a material. The material's crystal structure, atomic composition, and optical attributes, such as birefringence or pleochroism, play crucial roles in determining its metachromatic behavior.
Beyond the realm of minerals and gemstones, metachromatism can also occur in biological systems. For example, certain cell structures or pigments can exhibit metachromatic properties, where they display different colors when viewed under varying conditions or using specific staining techniques commonly employed in biological research.
In summary, metachromatism is the ability of certain materials or substances to display a change in color when observed under different light sources or from different angles due to their unique optical properties.
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Any color change, whether natural or produced by staining fluids.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METACHROMATISM
- metachromatise
- metachromatisi
- metachromatiso
- metachromatisl
- metachromatteism
- m etachromatism
- me tachromatism
- met achromatism
- meta chromatism
- metac hromatism
- metach romatism
- metachr omatism
- metachro matism
- metachrom atism
- metachroma tism
- metachromat ism
- metachromati sm
- metachromatis m
Etymology of METACHROMATISM
The word "metachromatism" is derived from two roots: "meta-" and "chromatism".
1. The prefix "meta-" is derived from Greek and is used to indicate something that is beyond, after, or behind. It is often used to signify change or transformation.
2. "Chromatism" is derived from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". Adding the suffix "-ism" turns "chroma" into "chromatism", which refers to a condition, quality, or state related to color.
Therefore, when combined, "metachromatism" signifies a condition or phenomenon related to a change or alteration in color.
