caleidoscope

Noun

kaleidoscope (plural kaleidoscopes)

1. An instrument consisting of a tube containing mirrors and loose, colourful beads or other objects; when the tube is looked into and rotated, a succession of symmetrical designs can be seen.
   • The Kaleidoscope (from καλος beautiful, ειδος a form, and σκοπεω to see) is an instrument for creating and exhibiting an infinite variety of beautiful forms, and is constructed in such a manner as either to please the eye, by an ever-varying succession of splendid tints and symmetrical forms, or to...1817 July 10, David Brewster, “Specification of the Patent Granted to David Brewster, of Edinburgh, Doctor of Laws; for a New Optical Instrument, Called The Kaleidoscope, for Exhibiting and Creating...
2. (figuratively) A constantly changing series of colours or other things.
   • [T]his rainbow look'd like hope— / Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.1819 July 15, [Lord Byron], Don Juan, London: […] Thomas Davison, […], →OCLC, canto II, stanza XCIII, page 165
3. (collective) A swarm of butterflies.
   • Jackasses shrieked in the forest, cockatoos busied themselves with their nests and a kaleidoscope of butterflies flitted among the fragrant shrubs and trees.2006, Natascha Scott-Stokes, Wild and Fearless: The Life of Margaret Fountaine, Peter Owen, page 206

See all 4 meanings of kaleidoscope