pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her pores felt ultra clean, and her complexion appeared brighter and more even (shoutout to pigmentation-reducing niacinamide). Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 Changes in your skin's pigmentation is another potential risk with laser therapy. Sherri Gordon, Health, 27 Aug. 2025 Albinism in dolphins is caused by a genetic mutation affecting the production of melanin, which creates a lack of pigmentation. Escher Walcott, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025 Could the pigmentation be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation affecting pigment-producing cells, or might it be inherited through a recessive trait that only rarely appears? Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pigmentation

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigmentation was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Pigmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigmentation. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun
pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-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- How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
: 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
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