achromatic

adjective

ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌa-krə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce achromatic (audio)
(ˌ)ā-
1
: refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors
an achromatic telescope
2
: not readily colored by the usual staining agents
3
: possessing no hue : being or involving black, gray, or white : neutral
achromatic visual sensations
4
: being without accidentals or modulation : diatonic
achromatically adverb
achromatism noun
achromatize transitive verb

Examples of achromatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Black is an achromatic shade that creates a feeling of depth and infinite space; an effect further emphasized with a matte finish. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2023 Instead, brown, gray, beige and white are dominant, an achromatic palette whose gloomy drabness is only relieved by the surprisingly wide variety of neutrals the artist employs. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2023 The achromatic 'philosophical zombie', a syndrome of cerebral achromatopsia with color anopsognosia. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'achromatic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + Greek chrōmat-, chrôma "color" + -ic entry 1 (or borrowed directly from Greek chrōmatikós chromatic entry 1, formed with the same elements)

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of achromatic was in 1754

Dictionary Entries Near achromatic

Cite this Entry

“Achromatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achromatic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

achromatic

adjective
ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌak-rə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce achromatic (audio)
1
: giving an image practically free from colors not in the object
an achromatic lens
2
: being black, gray, or white

Medical Definition

achromatic

adjective
ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌak-rə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce achromatic (audio)
1
: refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors
an achromatic telescope
2
: not readily colored by the usual staining agents
3
: possessing or involving no hue : being or involving only black, gray, or white
achromatic visual sensations
achromatic light stimuli
achromatically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on achromatic

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