pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
: coloration with pigment : the deposition or presence of pigment
… exposure to high levels of UV light increases pigmentation and reduces skin elasticity …Lina Cekaite and Hanne Groegaard
The genetically blue lobsters get their color by inheriting two recessive genes for the pigmentation of their shells …Leslie Gourse
At some point during the third trimester of pregnancy, a mysterious dark line appears on the belly. Not to worry, it's just a case of excess pigmentation.Shawn Doherty
2
: pigment
Fine pigmentation for use in airbrush … (when properly thinned).advertisement in The Artist's Magazine

Examples of pigmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are many elements to a good eyeshadow palette — from shade ranges to packaging size and pigmentation. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 21 Aug. 2023 The disorder is similar to but distinct from albinism, which results from the total lack of pigmentation. Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 29 Feb. 2024 Practicing sun smart habits is relevant for those of intermediate pigmentation, as well. Keyvan Nouri, M.d., Jessica Cervantes and John Tsatalis, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Things to Consider When Buying Purple Shampoo Pigment According to Zanoni, the best purple shampoos will have excellent pigmentation and, therefore, are usually on the darker side. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2024 The unusual-looking creature has leucism, a condition that causes a lack of pigmentation. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023 According to Aste, strangers have asked about the color of her breasts and sent her questions surrounding the dark pigmentation of her birthmark. Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 Ongoing research has found that if these electronic devices are not calibrated for darker skin tones, the pigmentation could affect how that light is absorbed by their sensors, leading to inaccurate oxygen readings. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 2 Feb. 2024 Really, though, most actives are geared towards adult skin issues such as pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles (including vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, and peptides) and do not need to be a part of a tween or teen’s skincare routine. Jessica Diner, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pigmentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigmentation was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near pigmentation

Cite this Entry

“Pigmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigmentation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun
pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
: a coloring with pigment
especially : an amount of bodily pigment that is greater than normal

Medical Definition

pigmentation

noun
pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen- How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
: coloration with pigment : the deposition or presence of pigment
Increased skin pigmentation, reflecting high concentrations of circulating corticotropin, may be present in patients with long-standing adrenal disease …Mark S. Cooper et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
When applied topically, minoxidil stimulates thickening and pigmentation of the fine vellus hairs on a proportion of the scalps of bald men.Samuel M. Lesko et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
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