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

With nearly 4,000 Amazon ratings and glowing reviews regarding pigmentation, quality, staying power, and ease of application, this popular lipstick has been a go-to pick since its first launch. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025

Gatineau also includes artichoke leaf extract, which is praised for guarding against pigmentation and minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2025

Consistent use of the device results in an improved appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, redness, and pigmentation—and the laser has racked up quite the smooth-skinned cult following. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025

Is skin pigmentation the ultimate problem with pulse oximeters? —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 19 Jan. 2025

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