'optical instrument creating and exhibiting, by reflection, a variety of beautiful colors and symmetrical forms,' 1817, literally 'observer of beautiful forms,' coined by its inventor, Scottish scientist David Brewster (1781-1868), from Greek kalos 'beautiful, beauteous' (see Callisto) + eidos 'shape' (see -oid) + -scope, on model of telescope, etc. They sold by the thousands in the few years after their invention, but Brewster failed to secure a patent.

Figurative meaning 'constantly changing pattern' is first attested 1819 in Lord Byron, whose publisher had sent him one of the toys. As a verb, from 1891. A kaleidophone (1827) was invented by English inventor Charles Wheatstone (1802-1875) to make sound waves visible.

Kaleidoscope (n.) 'optical instrument creating and exhibiting, by reflection, a variety of beautiful colors and symmetrical forms,' 1817, literally 'observer of beautiful forms,' coined by its inventor, Scottish scientist David Brewster (1781-1868), from Greek kalos 'beautiful, beauteous' (see Callisto) + eidos 'shape' (see -oid) + -scope, on model of telescope, etc. Class 8: Science: Light: dispersion of light. Kaleidoscope an optical device composed of bits of colored glass and several reflecting surfaces that presents to the viewer symmetrical patterns when shaken or rotated. — kaleidoscopic, adj.

Dictionary entries near kaleidoscope

kaiser

kakistocracy

*kakka-

Kalashnikov

Is Kaleidoscope A Color

kale

kaleidoscope

kaleidoscopic

Kalevala

Is Kaleidoscope Abelia Deer Resistant

Kali

kalon

Is Kaleidoscope Abelia Deer Resistant

Kama Sutra