Origin: Greek suffix -scope
Kaleidoscope has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
a complex pattern of constantly changing colors and shapes
"The ceiling was painted in a kaleidoscope of swirling blues, purples, and golds that seemed to shift as the light moved across them."
an optical toy in a tube; it produces symmetrical patterns as bits of colored glass are reflected by mirrors
"After pulling the kaleidoscope from her bag, she watched in delight as the tumbling pieces of colored glass created shifting, symmetrical patterns inside the tube."
A tube of mirrors containing loose coloured beads etc. that is rotated to produce a succession of symmetrical designs.
"After spinning the kaleidoscope, I watched in awe as the scattered glass fragments rearranged themselves into a dazzling new pattern through the mirrored tubes."
To move in shifting patterns.
"The dancer's skirt seemed to turn into a kaleidoscope as she spun across the stage, her colors shifting and rearranging with every rotation."