dichroism
noun
di·chro·ism ˈdī-(ˌ)krō-ˌi-zəm 
: the property of some crystals and solutions of absorbing one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other
also : the property of exhibiting different colors by reflected or transmitted light compare circular dichroism
Word History
Etymology
Greek díchroos, díchrous "of two colors" + -ism, after French dichroïte, name for cordierite, a mineral exhibiting dichroism — more at dichroic
First Known Use
1819, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing dichroism
Medical Definition
dichroism
noun
di·chro·ism ˈdī-(ˌ)krō-ˌiz-əm
: the property of some crystals and solutions of absorbing one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other
also : the property of exhibiting different colors by reflected or transmitted light compare circular dichroism sense 1