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

One is shy, good, and bright but because of the pigmentation of her green skin she’s considered other, an outsider, while the girl with the wavy blonde tresses that match her complexion is frivolous, selfish, yet to discover her inner glow. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025

Unlike melanin, which makes animals like crows and black panthers appear dark, the researchers note that ultra-black is not just a matter of pigmentation. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

After 2 Months Away, Can't Believe Cat's Reaction New Owner Has Message for 80-Year-Old Man Who Tried to Help Senior Cat This mutation, while not altering the protein itself, disrupts its location of activity, resulting in the distinctive orange pigmentation. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Summer served up a handful of intriguing skincare movements: Dermatologists extolled the virtues of retinal over retinol for minimising pigmentation, fine lines and breakouts at a faster rate, while buzzy new injectable polynucleotides seemed to rival eye cream for reducing dark circles. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 16 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