Kaleidoscope

/kəˈlaɪdəˌskoʊp/ noun

Definition

A kaleidoscope is a tube you look through to see changing patterns made by small colored pieces and mirrors. The word can also describe anything that changes constantly and shows many different patterns or aspects.

Etymology

From Greek roots: “kalos” (beautiful), “eidos” (form), and “skopein” (to look). It was named in the 1800s as an instrument for viewing beautiful shapes.

Kelly Says

A kaleidoscope works by repeating a few simple bits into complex patterns, just like many systems in nature. Tiny changes at one end create completely different designs at the other. It’s a toy that secretly teaches chaos and symmetry.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.