Definition of rainbow

Reference

rain·bow

) KEY

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.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English rnboga : rn, rain + boga, bow ; see bow³

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