pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-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

Together, these sensitive skin-friendly products can help fade pigmentation, tackle redness, and rehydrate skin. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024

This shampoo combines ingredients that promote pigmentation and hair restoration. —Sarah Madaus, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024

Within species, color variations are found throughout the animal kingdom, including melanistic animals with more dark pigmentation and leucistic animals with a reduction of pigment. —Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

The liner’s pigmentation and dry-down time was also evaluated. —Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-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- 

: 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