discolor

verb

dis·​col·​or (ˌ)dis-ˈkə-lər How to pronounce discolor (audio)
discolored; discoloring; discolors

transitive verb

: to alter or change the hue or color of

intransitive verb

: to change color especially for the worse

Examples of discolor in a Sentence

The fabric is guaranteed not to discolor. The wine stain discolored the rug.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pro tip: Pat skin dry with a white towel after rinsing, as benzoyl peroxide can discolor fabric. Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024 Keep in Mind The silicone heads can discolor over time. Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2024 Types Laser and light therapies work to heat small areas of skin, causing veins and vessels to collapse and disappear and managing discolored or thickened areas.4 Dermatologists have an array of laser and light therapy technologies to choose from. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 Ideally, look at every single leaf for signs of insects including the pests themselves, a sticky substance known as honeydew that’s producing by piercing insects, or stippled or discolored leaves, which could indicate the presence of pests such as spider mites, says Hancock. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discolor 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discolouren, from Anglo-French desculurer, from Late Latin discolorari, from Latin discolor of another color, from dis- + color color

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of discolor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near discolor

Cite this Entry

“Discolor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discolor. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

discolor

verb
dis·​col·​or (ˈ)dis-ˈkəl-ər How to pronounce discolor (audio)
: to change in color especially for the worse
the stain discolored the rug
discoloration
(ˌ)dis-ˌkəl-ə-ˈrā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on discolor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!