Main Entry: ¹pig·ment

Pronunciation: \ˈpig-mənt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, spice, dye, from Latin pigmentum coloring substance, from pingere to paint — more at paint

Date: 14th century

1 : a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials; especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber
2 : a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue; also : any of various related colorless substances

— pig·men·tary \-mən-ˌter-ē\ adjective