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

Makeup artists say skin undertones and natural lip pigmentation shape whether a shade flatters, which means the right nude depends on more than matching it to your overall complexion. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

That work involved fiber production, knitting and 3D printing alongside research into biological pigmentation. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Therapists begin facials with face-scanning wands and other probes, to measure your lipid shield, pigmentation, hydration and elasticity, and then cater their approach to the precise needs of your skin in that moment. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Yes, that’s twice as many treatment options as the previous Series 2 mask—which means this pick is clinically proven to diminish the appearance of crepiness by stimulating collagen and elastin, as well as pigmentation concerns. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 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