achromatic

adjective

ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌa-krə-ˈma-tik 

(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

ˌa-krə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

achromatism

(ˌ)ā-ˈkrō-mə-ˌti-zəm 

a-

noun

achromatize

(ˌ)ā-ˈkrō-mə-ˌtīz 

a-

transitive verb

Examples of achromatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Reflecting Pool basin was previously painted achromatic and gray. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 June 2026

The natural movement paired well with her achromatic attire. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

Keeping with the achromatic theme, Lyonne's style team accessorized the dress with sheer black tights and a pair of Edwardian-style cap-toe boots in black and white. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026

This entry-level 70mm achromatic refractor features a simple alt-azimuth mount and provides excellent views of not only Jupiter, its distinctive pink cloud bands and its four moons, but also Saturn’s rings and the moon’s craters. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing achromatic

• achromatic lens

Rhymes for achromatic

• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic
• cinematic

Kids Definition

achromatic

adjective

ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌak-rə-ˈmat-ik 

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 

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

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb