allochromatic

adjective

al·​lo·​chro·​mat·​ic

1

: accidentally rather than inherently pigmented : variable in color

—used of certain minerals that are without pigmentation when pure

2

: having or relating to photoelectric properties due to the presence of an impurity or as a result of irradiation

Word History

Etymology

all- + chromatic

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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