achromatic

adjective

ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌa-krə-ˈma-tik 

(ˌ)ā-

1

: refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors

an achromatic telescope

2

: not readily colored by the usual staining agents

3

: possessing no hue : being or involving black, gray, or white : neutral

achromatic visual sensations

4

: being without accidentals or modulation : diatonic

achromatically

ˌa-krə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

achromatism

(ˌ)ā-ˈkrō-mə-ˌti-zəm 

a-

noun

achromatize

(ˌ)ā-ˈkrō-mə-ˌtīz 

a-

transitive verb

Examples of achromatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chromatic and achromatic vision: parameter choice and limitations for reliable model predictions Avery Hurt is a freelance science journalist. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024

For the project’s interior designer, Elizabeth Young, the home displays its architectural lineage as adamantly as its achromatic appearance. —Leilani Marie Labong, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2024

Soon enough, the interior and floral designer decided to do something about his achromatic surroundings. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 20 June 2024

Black is an achromatic shade that creates a feeling of depth and infinite space; an effect further emphasized with a matte finish. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2023

Instead, brown, gray, beige and white are dominant, an achromatic palette whose gloomy drabness is only relieved by the surprisingly wide variety of neutrals the artist employs. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2023

The achromatic 'philosophical zombie', a syndrome of cerebral achromatopsia with color anopsognosia. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2013

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + Greek chrōmat-, chrôma "color" + -ic entry 1 (or borrowed directly from Greek chrōmatikós chromatic entry 1, formed with the same elements)

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing achromatic

• achromatic lens

Kids Definition

achromatic

adjective

ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌak-rə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: giving an image practically free from colors not in the object

an achromatic lens

2

: being black, gray, or white

Medical Definition

achromatic

adjective

ach·​ro·​mat·​ic ˌak-rə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors

an achromatic telescope

2

: not readily colored by the usual staining agents

3

: possessing or involving no hue : being or involving only black, gray, or white

achromatic visual sensations

achromatic light stimuli

achromatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb