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

Lastly, surgeons will often use the CO2 laser to improve skin texture by addressing lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The colors will do just the same thanks to the rich pigmentation and smudge-proof formula. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024

Pulse oximetry is a painless test to measure lung function, but dark skin pigmentation isn’t the only factor that can affect accuracy. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

According to Ilyas, the ingredient is the most effective for tackling concerns associated with aging skin— including fine lines, pigmentation, breakouts, redness, textural changes, and thinning. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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