pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for pigmentation 

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigmentation was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near pigmentation

Cite this Entry

“Pigmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigmentation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun
pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-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- How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!