kaleidoscope
[kә'laidәskәup]
n. 万花筒



kaleidoscope
[ noun ]

1. a complex pattern of constantly changing colors and shapes

<noun.cognition>

2. an optical toy in a tube; it produces symmetrical patterns as bits of colored glass are reflected by mirrors

<noun.artifact>

Kaleidoscope \Ka*lei"do*scope\, n. [Gr. ? beautiful + e'i^dos
form + -scope.]
An instrument invented by Sir David Brewster, which contains
loose fragments of colored glass, etc., and reflecting
surfaces so arranged that changes of position exhibit its
contents in an endless variety of beautiful colors and
symmetrical forms. It has been much employed in arts of
design.

Shifting like the fragments of colored glass in the
kaleidoscope. --G. W. Cable.