word of the day: moiré

The word of the day is moiré:

Etymology:  Probably < French moiré

A. n. 

1. A variegated or clouded appearance like that of watered silk, originally as an ornamental finish applied to metal (in full moiré metallique); a pattern or effect giving this appearance.2. = moire n.¹ 1. Also: an item of clothing made of this fabric. 

B. adj.  

1.a. Of silk: having a rippled, lustrous finish; watered. Also, of paper, metal, etc.: having a clouded appearance like watered silk.

b. Of a garment, shoes, etc.: made of moire. 

2. Designating a wavy or geometrical pattern of light and dark fringes (stripes) observed when one pattern of lines, dots, etc., is visually superimposed on another similar pattern, or on an identical one that is slightly out of alignment with the first. (OED)

"Please do not scan laser printouts of figures and send them to us as digital files. The dot pattern on a laser print often creates a moiré pattern when scanned."

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