Coloration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coloration

[หŒkสŒlษ™หˆreษชสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

Coloration refers to the natural color or pattern of an animal's fur, feathers, or skin that helps it blend into its environment or attract mates. It can also serve as a form of camouflage or warning signal to predators.

Synonyms

hue, pigmentation, tint.

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Word Description / Examples
coloration

Use this term when referring to the overall color or the way colors are arranged and distributed, especially in biological contexts.

  • The intricate coloration of the butterfly's wings is mesmerizing
  • The plant's coloration changes with the seasons
pigmentation

Use this word when talking about natural coloring in living organisms' skins or tissues, often in biological, medical, or cosmetic contexts.

  • The disease affects the pigmentation of the skin
  • Sun exposure can change the pigmentation of your skin
hue

This word is ideal for describing a specific shade of a color, often in artistic or design contexts.

  • The artist chose a deep blue hue for the background of the painting
  • Different hues of green can evoke different moods
tint

Best used for describing a slight addition of color or a light variation of a color, often in art, design, and cosmetic contexts.

  • The room was painted in a soft tint of blue
  • She added a pink tint to the white paint to create a pastel effect

Examples of usage

  • The coloration of the chameleon allows it to blend seamlessly into the leaves and branches of trees.
  • Male birds often have bright coloration to attract females during mating season.
Context #2 | Noun

art

In the context of art, coloration refers to the use of color in paintings, drawings, or other visual artworks. Artists carefully consider coloration to evoke emotions, create depth, and convey meaning in their works.

Synonyms

color scheme, coloring, palette.

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Word Description / Examples
coloration

This word is typically used in scientific or technical contexts, often referring to the natural colors of animals, plants, or other objects.

  • The bird's bright coloration helps it attract a mate.
  • The expert studied the coloration of the marine species to identify it.
color scheme

This term is commonly used in design-related fields, such as interior design, graphic design, and fashion, to describe a planned combination of colors.

  • We need to choose a color scheme for the new website.
  • The living room's color scheme creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
palette

This term is used primarily in artistic contexts, referring to the range of colors an artist chooses for their work. It can also be used metaphorically for a range of elements or options.

  • The artist's palette was filled with vibrant hues.
  • The film director uses a muted palette to convey a somber mood.
coloring

This word is often associated with the act of adding color to something, such as a drawing or a book, and is also used to refer to the natural colors of something.

  • She enjoys coloring during her free time.
  • The horse's unique coloring makes it stand out in the herd.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used bold coloration to make the sunset scene more vibrant and striking.
  • Coloration plays a crucial role in abstract art, where colors are used to express feelings and ideas.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

In biology, coloration can also refer to the color patterns and markings on plants, insects, or other organisms. These colorations may serve as a form of protection, mimicry, or communication within a species.

Synonyms

color pattern, markings, pigmentation.

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Word Description / Examples
coloration

Used to describe the overall color appearance or pattern of an object, organism, or artwork, often focusing on the aesthetic or biological aspect.

  • The bird's bright coloration helps it attract mates.
  • The subtle coloration of the painting adds to its charm.
pigmentation

Focuses on the biological or chemical substances that give color to tissues, objects or organisms, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

  • The pigmentation in her skin changes during the summer.
  • Some fish have bright pigmentation to warn predators of their toxicity.
color pattern

Refers to the specific arrangement or distribution of colors in an object or organism, often emphasizing the design or repetitive aspects.

  • The butterfly's color pattern makes it difficult for predators to spot.
  • The fabric has a unique color pattern that catches the eye.
markings

Describes distinctive lines, spots, or shapes on the surface of an organism or object, often in a biological or natural context.

  • The tiger's markings help it blend into the jungle.
  • The snake's markings can indicate whether it is venomous.

Examples of usage

  • The bright coloration of some flowers attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Certain insects have evolved coloration that mimics their surroundings to avoid predators.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Coloration in animals can serve as camouflage, helping them blend into their surroundings to avoid predators.
  • In biology, coloration can affect an organism's health, such as the vibrant hues of a bird indicating a good diet.
  • Certain colors in plants, like red or yellow, can attract pollinators, essential for the plant's reproduction.

Art

  • In art, the choice of colors and their combinations can evoke emotions; for example, blues may suggest calmness, while reds imply excitement.
  • Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh used bold coloration to express his feelings, influencing modern color theories.
  • Coloration techniques vary in painting, photography, and graphic design, demonstrating the versatility of color in the creative process.

Psychology

  • Color psychology studies how different colors affect human behavior and emotions, with warm colors energizing and cool colors calming.
  • Marketing professionals often choose colors strategically in branding to evoke specific feelings about their products.
  • Studies show that coloration can influence memory recall; for example, people tend to remember vibrant colors better than dull ones.

Nature

  • The coloration of coral reefs plays a crucial role in attracting fish species and maintaining ecosystem balance.
  • Seasonal changes can affect the coloration of trees, with vibrant fall colors serving as an indicator of plant health.
  • Some animals change their coloration with the seasons, like Arctic foxes, whose fur turns white in winter and brown in summer.

Origin of 'coloration'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'coloration' comes from the Latin 'coloratio', meaning 'a coloring' or 'a painting'.
  • In the late 14th century, it started being used in English to describe the act of applying color to something.
  • The root 'color' has ties to both the Latin 'color' and the Old French 'colur', linking it to visual perception.

The word 'coloration' has its origins in the Latin word 'coloratio', which means 'a coloring'. The term has been used since the 17th century to describe the act or process of coloring or the state of being colored. Over time, 'coloration' has come to encompass a wide range of meanings, from the natural hues of animals to the artistic use of color in visual arts. The concept of coloration has been studied extensively in fields such as biology, art, and psychology, highlighting its importance in both the natural world and human creativity.


See also: color, colorant, colored, colorful, colorfulness, coloring, colors, discolor, discoloration, discolored, discoloring, multicolored.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,884, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.