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

That algorithm was developed in lockstep with dermatologists, and scores pigmentation, wrinkles, texture, redness, UV [damage], acne and oilness. —James Manso, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025

Over-the-counter products containing vitamin C serums, azelaic acid, or niacinamide (vitamin B3) may help address pigmentation. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Dec. 2025

Grab yours for 25% off, to experience the medical-grade comparable quality that treats fine lines, scarring, pigmentation, and more. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025

According to the National Park Service, albinism is a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin (a pigment that gives an animal its color) in the cells, while leucism is the partial loss of all types of pigmentation, resulting in patches of white coloration. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025

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