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 rubber2: 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