pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-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

Azelaic acid helps reduce inflammation by targeting several inflammatory pathways in the skin, while helping fade pigmentation by inhibiting the pigment-forming enzyme tyrosinase. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026

Using melanotan peptides can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and changes in skin pigmentation, which may make skin cancer harder to detect. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026

Treatments such as Fraxel, LaseMD Ultra, or even more aggressive CO₂ fractional lasers can stimulate collagen production, improve fine wrinkling, smooth texture and reduce pigmentation caused by years of sun exposure. — Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

My favorite, Mac Matte Lipstick, combines vibrant pigmentation and long-lasting, non-drying coverage at a surprisingly reasonable price. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pigmentation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-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- 

: 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