Suntan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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suntan
[หsสnหtรฆn ]
Definitions
beach
A suntan is a brown colour that you get on your skin by sitting in the sun for a long time. It is often considered attractive and healthy.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suntan |
Use 'suntan' to refer to the darker skin shade acquired naturally after exposure to the sun.
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| tan |
Use 'tan' to refer to any color change of the skin due to sun exposure. It's a more general term that can imply both light and dark tans.
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| bronze |
Use 'bronze' to describe a deeper, richer tan that may resemble the color of the metal bronze. Sometimes used to describe a tanning lotion or a more intense tan.
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Examples of usage
- My suntan is fading after the summer.
- She spends hours sunbathing to get a suntan.
beach
If you suntan, you sit or lie in the sun to get a tan on your skin.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suntan |
Commonly refers to the darker skin tone acquired from exposure to the sun; it can be either planned or incidental.
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| tan |
Simply indicates a darker skin color from sun exposure. It is a more general term and can refer to any level of tanning.
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| bronze |
Usually suggests a more intense and even tan, often with a shiny, healthy look. It often implies a deliberate effort to achieve this look, often through tanning products or extended sunbathing.
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Examples of usage
- She loves to suntan on the beach.
- He suntanned for hours by the pool.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- Suntans are a result of the skin producing melanin, a protective pigment, in response to UV light.
- Darker skin can absorb more light which helps protect the skin but doesn't eliminate the need for sunscreen.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, a suntan is associated with health and an active outdoor lifestyle.
- During the 20th century, especially in the 1920s, tanning became a fashion statement linked with wealth and leisure.
- Some societies view lighter skin as more desirable, leading to varying perceptions of suntans across different cultures.
Fashion and Beauty
- Tanning productsโlike lotions and bronzersโbecame popular as the suntan aesthetic grew.
- Fashion shows often feature models with suntans to depict vitality and a healthy lifestyle.
- Suntan lines are often seen as a sign of summer fun and vacation adventures.
Science
- The amount of melanin produced depends on skin typeโlighter skin may tan less and burn more easily.
- The sun emits two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB; UVA can cause tanning and aging, while UVB primarily causes sunburn.
- The skin's response to UV exposure is a defense mechanism that can result in a suntan when reacted to moderate sunlight.
Origin of 'suntan'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'sun,' from Old English 'sunne', and 'tan,' which means to make leathery or brown.
- First used in the 1920s, the term gained popularity as sunbathing became a trend.
- The word 'tan' originally described the process of turning animal hides into leather.
The term 'suntan' originated in the early 19th century, combining the words 'sun' and 'tan'. The concept of tanning one's skin dates back to ancient civilizations, where darker skin was often associated with a higher social status or outdoor labor. In modern times, suntanning has become a popular activity for leisure and aesthetic reasons, although the risks of sun exposure are now well-known.
See also: tan.