a. [f. Gr. τρίχρο-ος, τρίχρους three-colored + -IC: cf. DICHROIC.] Having or showing three colors; spec. of crystals, exhibiting three different colors when viewed in three different directions.
1881. S. P. Thompson, in Nature, 15 Sept., 465/2. Di- or trichroic absorption is a general property of all coloured crystals other than those of the cubical system.
1888. Rutley, Rock-Forming Min., 100. Such crystals are said to be trichroic.
