pigmentation

noun

pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-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
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.
The wolves have broader heads, more powerful jaws and shoulders, and a white coat consistent with pigmentation genes discovered in fossil DNA. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Brightening Ingredients Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract work wonders to even out pigmentation concerns. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025 In fact, pairing an antioxidant serum like this one with sunscreen enhances its UV-deflecting power, boosting efficacy and providing extra protection against sun damage that leads to pigmentation and skin laxity. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025 These cats look white as a result of their skin and fur having no pigmentation. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pigmentation

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigmentation was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Pigmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigmentation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

pigmentation

noun
pig·​men·​ta·​tion ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
-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- How to pronounce pigmentation (audio)
: 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
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