COLOUR Definition & Meaning

colour

[ kuhl-er ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chiefly British.

color.

colour

/ ˈ��ʌ��ə /

noun

1. an attribute of things that results from the light they reflect, transmit, or emit in so far as this light causes a visual sensation that depends on its wavelengths
2. the aspect of visual perception by which an observer recognizes this attribute
3. the quality of the light producing this aspect of visual perception
4. ( as modifier )
  colour vision
Also calledchromatic colour
1. a colour, such as red or green, that possesses hue, as opposed to achromatic colours such as white or black
2. ( as modifier ) Compare black-and-white
  a colour television
  a colour film
a substance, such as a dye, pigment, or paint, that imparts colour to something
1. the skin complexion of a person, esp as determined by his race
2. ( as modifier )
  colour problem
  colour prejudice
the use of all the hues in painting as distinct from composition, form, and light and shade
the quantity and quality of ink used in a printing process
the distinctive tone of a musical sound; timbre
vividness, authenticity, or individuality
period colour
semblance or pretext (esp in the phrases take on a different colour, under colour of )
a precious mineral particle, esp gold, found in auriferous gravel
physics one of three characteristics of quarks, designated red, blue, or green, but having no relationship with the physical sensation

verb

to give or apply colour to (something)
tr to give a convincing or plausible appearance to (something, esp to that which is spoken or recounted)
to colour an alibi
tr to influence or distort (something, esp a report or opinion)
anger coloured her judgment
introften foll byup to become red in the face, esp when embarrassed or annoyed
intr (esp of ripening fruit) to change hue

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Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

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Other �y��vlog Forms

�ٰ��Բ�·��Ǳ�o�ܰ� adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of colour¹

C13: from Old French colour from Latin color tint, hue

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Scientists say subtle differences in the colour of seawater will enable them to count tiny - but critically important - Antarctic marine creatures, from Space.

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While some Indian users said they were delighted to see Altman sporting their team's colours, many were quick to speculate about his motives behind sharing the image.

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The Great Depression and the Second World War coloured Roosevelt's time in office - and are often cited for his extended presidency.

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Braids are still what I turn to now when I want a few months break from all the detangling - or I want to try a new colour without the potential damage of hair dye.

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The Eiffel Tower, behind Zelensky in a picture window as we talked in one of Paris's great museums, was lit up in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukrainian national flag.

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