Pigmented Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pigmented

[ˈpɪɡ.mən.tɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

colorful appearance

Pigmented refers to the presence of color or pigmentation in a biological or material context. It is often used to describe certain types of cells, tissues, or materials that contain natural or artificial pigments, leading to variations in appearance. For instance, pigmented tissues may present with specific colors due to the accumulation of melanin or other pigments. This term is commonly associated with skin, hair, eyes, and other biological entities that exhibit distinguishing colorations.

Synonyms

colored, dyed, tinted.

Examples of usage

  • Pigmented skin tends to absorb more sunlight.
  • Certain fish are known for their beautifully pigmented scales.
  • Pigmented lesions on the skin should be monitored by a dermatologist.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Biology

  • In animals and plants, pigments are the substances that give color and play key roles in processes like photosynthesis.
  • Melanin is a common pigment in humans, responsible for skin color, hair color, and eye color, which helps protect against UV rays.

Art

  • Pigments used in art can come from natural sources like plants and minerals, or can be synthetically created.
  • Different cultures have historically valued various pigments; for instance, ultramarine was highly prized in Renaissance paintings due to its vibrant blue hue.

Psychology

  • Colors can evoke feelings; for example, red is often linked with excitement and love, while blue is calming.
  • The perception of color can differ based on culture and context, influencing how people react emotionally.

Cosmetics

  • In cosmetics, pigments are crucial for creating makeup products that enhance skin tone and features.
  • Different formulations can affect how pigments appear on the skin, influencing trends in beauty and skincare.

Origin of 'pigmented'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pigere,' meaning 'to paint,' which relates to colors.
  • It entered English in the 17th century, showing the growing interest in art and color science at the time.

The term 'pigmented' derives from the Latin word 'pigmentum', which means 'color' or 'dye'. The prefix 'pig-' relates to coloring substances that are derived from natural or synthetic sources used in various fields including biology, art, and manufacturing. The word 'pigment' has been used in English since the 15th century to denote any material that imparts color to a substance, especially in paint. The transformation into the adjective form reflects its application in describing the presence of color in living organisms and materials. Over time, as scientific research advanced, the understanding of pigmentation expanded into genetics and biology, emphasizing the role of coloration in survival, adaptation, and visual identification in species. Today, 'pigmented' is frequently utilized in dermatology, art, and materials science to describe objects that possess a distinct hue due to the presence of pigments.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,218, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.