pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: coloration with pigment : the deposition or presence of pigment

… exposure to high levels of UV light increases pigmentation and reduces skin elasticity …

—Lina Cekaite and Hanne Groegaard

The genetically blue lobsters get their color by inheriting two recessive genes for the pigmentation of their shells …

—Leslie Gourse

At some point during the third trimester of pregnancy, a mysterious dark line appears on the belly. Not to worry, it's just a case of excess pigmentation.

—Shawn Doherty

2

: pigment

Fine pigmentation for use in airbrush … (when properly thinned).

—advertisement in The Artist's Magazine

Examples of pigmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Excess sebum can also lead to pigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory hyper- and hypo-pigmentation; skin diseases like acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor; swelling in the nose and eyes; and eye issues like dry eyes, itching, styes and blepharitis. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Causes include overproduction of pigmentation, lax skin, allergies and poor circulation. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024

In addition to some of the side effects listed above, skin pigmentation changes could also occur. —Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024

Exfoliating versions, like Biologique Recherche's P50, are akin to paint stripper for the face, removing any hint of leftover grime from the day along with taking a pass at clearing pigmentation and smoothing fine lines. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2024

Both active pimples and lingering pigmentation look less red, and bumps are noticeably decreased. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023

There are many elements to a good eyeshadow palette — from shade ranges to packaging size and pigmentation. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 21 Aug. 2023

The disorder is similar to but distinct from albinism, which results from the total lack of pigmentation. —Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 29 Feb. 2024

Practicing sun smart habits is relevant for those of intermediate pigmentation, as well. —Keyvan Nouri, M.d., Jessica Cervantes and John Tsatalis, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

: a coloring with pigment

especially : an amount of bodily pigment that is greater than normal

Medical Definition

pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen- 

: coloration with pigment : the deposition or presence of pigment

Increased skin pigmentation, reflecting high concentrations of circulating corticotropin, may be present in patients with long-standing adrenal disease …

—Mark S. Cooper et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

When applied topically, minoxidil stimulates thickening and pigmentation of the fine vellus hairs on a proportion of the scalps of bald men.

—Samuel M. Lesko et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association