Dictionary entries for 'rainbow'

Synonyms

rain·bow (rāńbṓ)

[Middle English, from Old English rēnboga, rēn, rain, + boga, bow; see bow³.]

noun

1. An arc of spectral colors, usually identified as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, that appears in the sky opposite the sun as a result of the refractive dispersion of sunlight in drops of rain or mist.
2. A similar arc or band, as one produced by a prism or by iridescence.
3. A graded display of colors.
An illusory hope: chasing the rainbow of overnight success.
A diverse assortment or collection.