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Yellowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yellowed

[ˈjɛloʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

color description

The term 'yellowed' describes something that has turned yellow or has developed a yellow tint, usually over time. This can occur due to aging, exposure to sunlight, or chemical reactions.

Synonyms

discolored, tawny, yellowing.

Examples of usage

  • The yellowed pages of the old book hinted at its age.
  • She noticed the yellowed leaves in the autumn garden.
  • The photograph had yellowed with age, making it difficult to see the details.
  • His yellowed teeth were a consequence of years of smoking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic books are published on paper that yellows over time, contributing to their vintage feel.
  • In poetry, yellowed pages can symbolize memories or the passage of time.
  • Authors often use yellowed items to evoke nostalgia and a sense of history in their stories.

Science

  • Paper yellows primarily due to the breakdown of cellulose and exposure to light, which creates a chemical reaction.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the yellowing process, which is why preserving documents in the dark is important.
  • Certain environmental factors like humidity can also contribute to the yellowing of materials.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, yellowing pages of old texts are seen as a window into the past, revealing historical contexts.
  • A yellowed photograph can evoke strong emotions associated with memories and heritage.
  • Yellowed items are often showcased in museums to demonstrate the impact of time on artifacts.

Art

  • Artists sometimes intentionally use yellowed tones in their work to suggest age or wear.
  • Yellowing can enhance the aesthetic quality of photographs by giving them a vintage look.
  • In restoration, artists face the challenge of maintaining the original color while dealing with yellowed materials.

Origin of 'yellowed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'yellowed' comes from 'yellow', which is an Old English word 'geolu'.
  • The past participle form, 'yellowed', shows that something underwent a change in color.
  • The color yellow has been associated with aging or deterioration in literature and art.

The word 'yellowed' originates from the adjective 'yellow', which itself comes from the Old English 'geolu', meaning yellow and related to the Proto-West Germanic '*gelwaz'. The term has evolved through Middle English as 'geolw', taking on the same meaning. The suffix '-ed' is a common past participle ending, used in English to indicate a completed action or state, therefore 'yellowed' implies something that has become yellow over time. The use of 'yellow' as a descriptive term has been prevalent in literature and linguistics for centuries, often associated with warmth, cheerfulness, and, at times, decay or aging.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,373, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.