What does pigmentation mean?
Pigmentation is the coloration of skin, hair, scales, feathers, or other tissues resulting from the presence and distribution of pigment. In humans and many animals, it is strongly associated with melanin, although other pigments can also contribute to coloration. The word is commonly used in medicine and biology when discussing skin discoloration, changes in pigmentation, or the process by which pigmented structures develop. Such changes may be normal, as in tanning, sun exposure, aging, or inherited differences, or they may result from a medical condition affecting pigment production. More broadly, pigmentation can describe the distinctive coloring of an organism or its parts. Although the phrase can also evoke visual appearance, it generally has a more technical tone than simply saying color and should not be used when the precise coloring process is unknown.
nounThe coloration of an organism or its tissues caused by the presence or distribution of pigment. In biology, it may also refer to the process or state of becoming pigmented.
- The coloration of tissues or other biological structures by pigment.
- The presence, distribution, or development of pigment in an organism or its tissues.
"The doctor explained that the changes in skin pigmentation were harmless and likely caused by prolonged exposure to the sun."
"Abnormal pigmentation can result from changes in melanin production."
"The species is notable for the vivid pigmentation of its skin and feathers."
The word is normally used as an uncountable singular. The plural is uncommon but can refer to distinct instances or types of pigmentation.
"The study compared several forms of animal pigmentation."
Pigmentation is what gives skin, hair, feathers, and many animal surfaces their color—and sometimes reveals what is happening beneath the surface.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pigmentation come from?
Pigmentation was formed in the early 19th century from pigment and the suffix -ation, a combination that had earlier been used to form words denoting processes or conditions. English pigment comes through French pigment from Latin pigmentum, meaning "paint" or "coloring matter," which was derived from pingere, meaning "to paint." The related adjective pigmentary and the noun pigment preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How pigmentation is actually used
The term is used in both biological and medical contexts. In general writing, it is more precise and technical than the broader phrase "coloration," especially when referring to pigment deposited in or produced by living tissue.
Easily confused with pigmentation
A pigment is the substance that produces color, whereas pigmentation refers to the coloration itself or to the presence and distribution of such substances.