coloration

noun

col·​or·​a·​tion ˌkə-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce coloration (audio)
1
a
: the state of having color
the dark coloration of his skin
b
: use or choice of colors (as by an artist)
c
: arrangement of colors
the coloration of a butterfly's wing
2
a
: characteristic quality
the newspapers … took on the former coloration of the magazineL. B. Seltzer
b
: aspect suggesting an attitude
the chameleon talent for taking on the intellectual coloration of whatever idea he happened to fasten ontoBudd Schulberg
3
: subtle variation of intensity or quality of tone
a wide range of coloration from the orchestra

Examples of coloration in a Sentence

the coloration of a flower the bright yellow coloration of the curtains wine glasses with circle designs and blue and green colorations He attempted to give a religious coloration to the war.
Recent Examples on the Web Females are typically slightly larger than male turkey vultures, but coloration is the same in adult birds. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Dec. 2023 Tissues preserved in rock can reveal information like the anatomy of the reptile, its physiology, and its skin coloration. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 The discs were painted with anemonefish coloration and measured the level of aggression towards these fish dupes. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Feb. 2024 Hens of both lesser and greater will range in coloration from brown to grayish-brown, with the same wide, heavy bill and a white facial patch at the base. M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 8 Feb. 2024 Bluegill, on the other hand, have a duller blue, solid coloration near the bottom of the gill plate. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Find it on Amazon A Two Toned, Distressed Bookshelf The distressed light coloration of this Bookshelf complements various room colors and styles. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2023 Scientists identified the animal as a wolverine by its size, body proportion, coloration and movement patterns, the wildlife department said in the news release. Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 6 June 2023 The research shows that even subtle changes in coloration can make a big difference. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coloration.' 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

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin colōrātiōn-, colōrātiō, from Latin colōrāre "to color entry 2" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coloration was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near coloration

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

coloration

noun
col·​or·​ation
ˌkəl-ə-ˈrā-shən
1
: use or arrangement of colors or shades : coloring
study the coloration of a flower
2
: the state of having color
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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