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Achromatic: meaning, definitions and examples

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achromatic

 

[ eɪˈkrɒmək ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

color theory

The term achromatic refers to colors that lack hue, typically described as shades of grey. Such colors can be created by mixing equal parts of complementary colors or by using pure black and white. In art and design, achromatic schemes often emphasize form and texture over color, allowing for a more subdued or sophisticated aesthetic. Achromatic elements can also be significant in various fields such as photography, where black and white images can highlight contrasts and details that color photographs might obscure.

Synonyms

colorless, gray, neutral.

Examples of usage

  • The painting had an achromatic palette, focusing on shades of grey.
  • Photographers often use achromatic techniques to create dramatic black and white images.
  • Achromatic colors can provide balance in a colorful design.

Translations

Translations of the word "achromatic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acromático

🇮🇳 रंगहीन

🇩🇪 achromatisch

🇮🇩 akromatik

🇺🇦 ахроматичний

🇵🇱 achromatyczny

🇯🇵 無色の

🇫🇷 achromatique

🇪🇸 acromático

🇹🇷 açromatik

🇰🇷 무채색의

🇸🇦 عديم اللون

🇨🇿 achromatický

🇸🇰 achromatický

🇨🇳 无色的

🇸🇮 ahromatičen

🇮🇸 ahromatískur

🇰🇿 ахроматтық

🇬🇪 ახრომატული

🇦🇿 açromatik

🇲🇽 acromático

Etymology

The word achromatic originates from the Greek roots 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'chroma,' which means 'color.' This construction emphasizes the absence of color or hue. The term began to be widely used in the context of art and optics during the 18th and 19th centuries as artists and theorists explored the complexities of color theory and the effects of light and shadow. In the realm of photography, the concept of achromatic coloration gained traction with the advent of black-and-white film, where understanding the balance of grey tones became essential for image composition. The evolution of the understanding of achromatic colors has had significant implications across various fields such as art, design, and science.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,669, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.