Definition

1. Noun:
   • A meteorological phenomenon: An arc of colored light that appears in the sky opposite the sun, caused by the refraction, dispersion, and reflection of sunlight in water droplets.
   • A wide variety or range: A diverse assortment or spectrum of things.
   • An illusory or unattainable goal: Something hoped for but difficult or impossible to achieve.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Meteorological phenomenon):
  • After the storm, a beautiful rainbow appeared over the hills.
  • The conditions were perfect for seeing a rainbow.
• Noun (Wide variety):
  • The garden was a rainbow of colorful flowers.
  • The festival celebrates a rainbow of cultures from around the world.
• Noun (Illusory hope):
  • Pursuing that deal is like chasing a rainbow; it will never happen.

Advanced Usage

• "At the end of the rainbow": Referring to a mythical pot of gold or an ultimate, often unattainable, reward.
  • He's always looking for the perfect job, like it's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
• "Rainbow coalition": A political or social alliance of diverse groups.
  • The candidate built a rainbow coalition of supporters.

Variants and Related Words

• Rainbow-like (adj): Resembling a rainbow in color or form.
  • The oil slick created a rainbow-like sheen on the water.
• Rainbowed (adj): Adorned with or displaying colors like a rainbow. (Less common)
  • The rainbowed sky was a breathtaking sight.

Synonyms

• Spectrum: A broad range of related ideas or objects. (For the "wide variety" sense)
• Prismatic: Exhibiting colors produced by refraction of light. (Adjective form)
• Mirage: An illusion or fantasy. (For the "illusory hope" sense)

Related Phrases

• Chase rainbows: To pursue unrealistic dreams or goals.
  • You need a practical plan, not spend your life chasing rainbows.

Related Idioms

• Over the rainbow: In a wonderful, ideal, or dreamlike place or state.
  • In her stories, the heroes live in a magical land over the rainbow.
• A rainbow of possibilities: A wide array of potential outcomes or choices.
  • Graduation opens up a rainbow of possibilities for your future.

Noun

1. an illusory hope
   • chasing rainbows
2. an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain