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 Some biologists have argued that the coloration of plants and the ability of animals to detect it have co-evolved. Isabel Gauthier, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2024 Its docile nature and striking appearance have drawn interest, but its rarity and striking coloration have raised concerns about potential exploitation in the exotic pet trade. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2024 The West African lungfish also exhibits a distinctive mottled coloration that aids in camouflage. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 This often leads to white coloration in splotches on the animal’s skin or fur. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coloration 

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 5 Oct. 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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