How to pronounce iridescent
Say it like ir-uh-DES-unt. Iridescent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce iridescent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ir
- uh
- DES
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Iridescent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- irGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of iridescent
American and British speakers say iridescent in essentially the same way: /ˌɪrəˈdɛsənt/ in the US and /ˌɪrəˈdɛsənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ir-uh-DES-unt.
What does iridescent mean?
- Producing a display of lustrous, rainbow-like colors; prismatic.“iridescent appearance”
- Brilliant, lustrous, or colorful.“iridescent sheen”
Where does iridescent come from?
Coined around 1800, from Latin iris, iridis (“rainbow”) + -escent.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with iridescent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of iridescent.
- adolescent
- crescent
- fluorescent
- incessant
- incandescent
- antidepressant
- pubescent
- convalescent
- depressant
- effervescent
Questions about saying iridescent
How do you pronounce iridescent?
Say ir-uh-DES-unt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪrəˈdɛsənt/. In British English it is /ˌɪrəˈdɛsənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in iridescent?
Iridescent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DES). Broken into parts: ir · uh · DES · unt.
Do Americans and Brits say iridescent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪrəˈdɛsənt/ and the British form is /ˌɪrəˈdɛsənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.