dichroism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Scientific, Academic
Quick answer
What does “dichroism” mean?
The property of certain materials to show different colours when viewed from different directions, especially under polarized light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property of certain materials to show different colours when viewed from different directions, especially under polarized light.
In a broader scientific context, it can refer to any phenomenon where a material's absorption of light differs for two perpendicular polarizations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
None beyond the strict technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “dichroism” in a Sentence
The [material/substance] exhibits/shows dichroism.Dichroism is observed/measured in [material].The dichroism of [material] indicates...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dichroism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dichroic filter split the beam.
- They studied the mineral's dichroic properties.
American English
- The dichroic filter split the beam.
- They analyzed the sample's dichroic behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in physics, chemistry, geology, and materials science papers and lectures.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in spectroscopy, mineralogy, and liquid crystal display (LCD) technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dichroism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dichroism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dichroism”
- Mispronouncing as /dɪˈkrəʊɪzəm/. The first syllable is stressed and has a long 'i' /aɪ/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a dichroism'). It is typically a non-count/uncountable noun.
- Confusing it with 'dichromatism' in biology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Dichroism specifically refers to materials that show TWO different colours. Pleochroism is a more general term for showing TWO OR MORE colours from different directions. All dichroic materials are pleochroic, but not all pleochroic materials are dichroic (some may show three colours - trichroism).
Sometimes, yes. In certain crystals like tourmaline or iolite, the colour change is visible when you rotate the stone. In most scientific applications, however, it is detected and measured using specialized instruments like spectrometers with polarising filters.
Dichroic filters and mirrors are used in a wide range of optical devices, from theatre lighting to advanced scientific instruments. They are designed to reflect certain colours of light while transmitting others, based on the polarization and angle of the light.
Almost exclusively, no. The term is fundamentally rooted in optics. In extremely specialised contexts, analogous concepts like 'acoustic dichroism' might be coined, but 'dichroism' by itself always refers to light and colour.
The property of certain materials to show different colours when viewed from different directions, especially under polarized light.
Dichroism is usually technical, scientific, academic in register.
Dichroism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪkrəʊɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪkroʊɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DIE-twin-colour-ism': A material that seems to 'die' or change into a different colour when you look at it from a twin (another) angle.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MATERIAL IS A CHAMELEON (it changes its apparent colour based on the viewer's perspective).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'dichroism' most commonly used?