pigment
PIG-muhnt
/ˈpɪɡ.mənt/
A natural or synthetic coloring matter that gives color to plant or animal tissue, paints, or cosmetics.
Refers to insoluble colored particles that reflect specific wavelengths, distinct from soluble dyes.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'pingere' (to paint). In ancient Rome, 'pigmentum' meant painters' raw ground colors as well as aromatic plant ointments. It entered Middle English to describe biological coloration and art mediums.
Word relationships
- colorant: Colorant is an umbrella term for any dye or pigment, whereas pigment specifically refers to finely ground particulate coloring matter.
Commonly confused with
- dye: Dye dissolves in liquid to absorb into fibers, whereas pigment consists of suspended insoluble solid particles.
Word family
- pigmentation (noun): The natural coloring of human, animal, or plant tissue.
- pigmented (adjective): Colored by natural or artificial pigment.
Collocations
- skin pigment
- concentrated pigment
- pigment loss
- hyper-pigment
Example sentences
- "Melanin is the primary biological pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye coloration." Human biology
- "The concealer contains dense iron oxide pigment to cover dark under-eye circles." Cosmetic formulation
Memory hook
PIGMENT is what PIGments the paint canvas or human skin. Particulate color in paint or skin.
When not to use
Do not confuse with soluble dyes that dissolve entirely into solution.
Fun facts
- The ancient Egyptian pigment known as Egyptian Blue was created in 2500 BCE by heating quartz, copper, and calcium, making it history's first synthetic pigment.
Related words
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