pigment

1 of 2

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt 

1

: a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials

especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (such as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber

2

: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue

also : any of various related colorless substances

pigmentary

ˈpig-mən-ˌter-ē 

adjective

pigment

2 of 2

verb

pig·​ment ˈpig-ˌment 

-mənt

pigmented; pigmenting; pigments

transitive verb

: to color with or as if with pigment

Synonyms

Noun

• color
• colorant
• coloring
• dye
• dyestuff
• stain

Verb

• bepaint [archaic]
• color
• dye
• paint
• stain
• tincture
• tinge
• tint

Examples of pigment in a Sentence

Noun

Chlorophyll is a group of green pigments.

Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin and fur.

Albinos lack normal skin pigment.

Pigments are used to give color to paint, ink, and plastic.

Red pigment is mixed into the ink.

Verb

pigmented varnishes

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Within species, color variations are found throughout the animal kingdom, including melanistic animals with more dark pigmentation and leucistic animals with a reduction of pigment. —Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Related Articles The capsule collection will feature the vegan revamp of its classic Himmel Shopper tote in two sizes and the black colorway, which uses plant and mineral pigments. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

Number of Shades: 14 Finishes: Matte, metallic, duo chrome Best For: With varying degrees of sparkle and shine—from iridescent gold to highly pigmented, metallic bronze—this kit adds the finishing touch to an ethereal look. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024

The palette features 12 metallics and 12 mattes, all richly pigmented and complimentary of all skin tones. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, spice, dye, from Latin pigmentum coloring substance, from pingere to paint — more at paint

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1896, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pigment

• respiratory pigment

Kids Definition

pigment

noun

pig·​ment

ˈpig-mənt

1

: a substance that gives color to other materials

especially : a powder mixed with a liquid to give color

2

: a natural coloring matter in animals and plants

pigmented

-mənt-əd

-ˌment-

adjective

Medical Definition

pigment

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt 

: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue

also : any of various related colorless substances