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variegation

noun
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var·​ie·​ga·​tion | \ ˌver-ē-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce variegation (audio) , ˌver-i-ˈgā- \

Definition of variegation

: the act of variegating : the state of being variegated especially : diversity of colors

Examples of variegation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By far the most common variegation patterns are green with either white or yellow markings. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "Why do some garden leaves turn green, white and yellow? Foliage decoded," 14 June 2019 Speaking of which, some plants actually change color over time, often losing the variegation or intense shade of lime green or gold that caught the consumer’s eye when the plant was young. — Bonnie Blodgett, Twin Cities, "Blundering Gardener: The things you think of — and cry about — when gardening," 13 July 2019 The variegation is an irregular white streaking and makes quite a striking specimen. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "Why do some garden leaves turn green, white and yellow? Foliage decoded," 14 June 2019 Cosmopolitan’ arches tall in ribbons of white and green variegation. — Amy Merrick, WSJ, "Fall’s Best Blade Plans," 5 Oct. 2018 Mexico is likely to see increased political variegation as regional actors build state-level organizations with fewer ties to national party structures. — Michael Lettieri, Washington Post, "Mexico votes tomorrow. Here’s how the country will be radically transformed when the PRI loses.," 30 June 2018 Actually there are many cultivars in the nursery trade now, most with some degree of white variegation. — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, "Shady spots are like the Goldilocks of gardening. Here, four plants that are just right | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 30 Mar. 2018 High contrast variegations give the plants more presence in shaded locations where cream or yellow edges and stripes stand out in gloom. — Maureen Gilmer, idahostatesman, "Sansevieria is a perfect house plant," 24 Jan. 2018 Occasionally, seedlings will emerge with a swirl of white variegation to add to the allure. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "Meet this garden menace with a pretty name but ugly personality," 6 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'variegation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of variegation

1646, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for variegation

varieg(ate) + -ation

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Time Traveler for variegation

Time Traveler

The first known use of variegation was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Variegation.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variegation. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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