Pigmentation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

(noun) /ˌpɪgˌmænˈteɪʃn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The process or result of coloring or staining, particularly the skin, as in the case of a tan.

Examples

• After spending hours at the beach, she had a nice pigmentation.
• The farmers used pesticides to prevent pigmentation in their crops.

Synonyms

• Tan
• Coloration

Antonyms

• Palesness
• Wan

Additional Information

Pigmentation is a natural process that occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun, causing the formation of melanin, which is responsible for the skin’s color. It can also be caused by other factors such as medications, injury, or diseases.

In the context of medicine, pigmentation can refer to the coloring or staining of tissues or organs, which can be used as a diagnostic tool in certain cases.

Etymology

The word “pigmentation” originated from the Latin “pigmentum,” meaning “coloring” or “paint,” and the suffix “-ation,” indicating the process or result of an action.

Usage Notes

Pigmentation is often used in the context of skin care and medicine to describe the coloring or staining of the skin.

In scientific or technical contexts, pigmentation can refer to the coloring or staining of tissues or organs.

Cultural References

In a popular TV show, a character’s pigmentation is a recurring theme, symbolizing their connection to their cultural heritage.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Get a tan” is a common idiomatic expression that means to deliberately expose oneself to the sun to achieve a pigmentation.

Related Words or Phrases

• Melanin
• Coloration

Collocations

• Sun-damaged pigmentation
• Natural pigmentation

Frequency of Use

Pigmentation is a commonly used word in everyday language, particularly in the context of skin care and medicine.

Common Misspellings

• Pigimentation
• Pigmintation